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(3045, 17, '2014-09-10 10:00:00', '2014-09-10 17:00:00', '<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Hesperia-Business-Administration-program-information-fair.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-13026" src="http://www.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Hesperia-Business-Administration-program-information-fair1-300x181.jpg" alt="Hesperia Business Administration program information fair" width="300" height="181" /></a>Twice each year for the last four years, <a title="Click to learn more about the SJVC Business Administration program." href="http://www.sjvc.edu/business-administration" target="_blank">Business Administration</a> students on the <a title="Click to learn more about the SJVC Victor Valley campus." href="http://www.sjvc.edu/victor-valley" target="_blank">Hesperia campus</a> have put on a Program Information Fair for the community, as part of their Business Leadership course. This year the BA program threw open the gates and invited all of the other business, medical and technical programs to participate.\r\n\r\nJust two years ago the Medical Assisting program joined the Fair, followed by the Pharmacy Technology program six months later. "I thought if I could do this with those two programs, I’ll just get the whole campus involved," says Douglas Patch, BA program instructor. "They all just jumped on board."\r\n\r\nStudents from each program – Business Administration, Medical Assisting, Medical Office, Pharmacy Technology, Industrial Technology, Criminal Justice and HVAC-R – set up 24 booths in 7 classrooms for the August 12th evening event. ASB students kept a comfortable flow of over 100 attendees from classroom to classroom.\r\n\r\n"Our primary goals were to build campus unity and strengthen relationships with employers and the community so that they are aware of us and what our students can do," says Mr. Patch. "We want to stimulate admissions by letting people see that there is a career college that develops professional and life skills in the subjects we teach."\r\n\r\nIt was also a great way for students to build teamwork, introduce each other to their program components and provide points of education to visitors. "Students got to see what other students are doing in their programs; and I think there is a lot of value in that," says Patch.\r\n\r\n"It gave me an opportunity to meet other school instructors, staff and students in other departments," says Sergio Alamo, Business student.\r\n\r\nMedical, business, home, nutrition and life tips were shared from each program’s knowledge base.\r\n\r\n"It was an opportunity for students in all programs to share best practices for the community and for each other," says Richard Matley, Campus Director. "Interviewing, building credit, health screening, electrical safety in the home, energy saving in the desert heat, prescription drug safety and other helpful and important life tips were shared."\r\n\r\nBoth community attendees and students walked away with a little better understanding of various professions and the services they provide.\r\n\r\n"I enjoyed working with ''patients'' at my station, which was responsible for doing the glucose tests," says Madelyn Lopez, Medical Office student. "I realized that this field is something that I will enjoy doing."\r\n\r\nWith the expanded momentum of total campus involvement, a greater number of people will benefit while students hone their skills, knowledge and professional services. Potential employers, also, will have a chance to measure program depth and scout potential new-hires about to graduate.\r\n\r\n"The Program Fair was a great way for our students to share their abilities and highlight SJVC’s Institutional Learning Objectives," says Mr. Patch. "Students demonstrate their ability of being great communicators, show their skills, develop professional topics and decorum, empower each other with confidence, demonstrate great citizenship and highlight their education."\r\n\r\nThe event ended with a big outside BBQ where students, instructors and visitors were able to share their experiences.\r\n\r\n"Students from all of the programs showed that they can unite as a group of professionals that can work together to achieve a common goal," says Doug Patch.\r\n\r\nThe faculty promises an even bigger event in the spring.', 'SJVC Program Information Fair benefits many', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'open', '', 'sjvc-program-information-fair-benefits-many', '', '', '2014-12-30 15:07:39', '2014-12-30 23:07:39', '', 0, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-program-information-fair-benefits-many', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(3049, 17, '2014-09-12 10:00:00', '2014-09-12 17:00:00', '<img src="http://www.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Bakersfield-SJVC-students-walk-for-Peac-One-Day-300x250.jpg" alt="Bakersfield SJVC students walk for Peac One Day" width="300" height="250" class="alignleft wp-image-13415 size-thumbnail" />Again this year, San Joaquin Valley College students, staff and faculty in <a title="Click to learn more about SJVC''s Bakersfield campus." href="http://www.sjvc.edu/bakersfield" target="_blank">Bakersfield</a> will walk from the campus up and down Stockdale Highway at California Avenue beginning at 11:30 am on Tuesday, September 16th, to commemorate Peace Day. A second walk of evening students and faculty will begin their roughly 30-minute walk at 4:30 pm.\r\n\r\nIn 1999, filmmaker Jeremy Gilley launched Peace One Day to begin to establish an annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence. In 2001, just days before the September 11 terrorist attack, the United Nations adopted September 21st as the <a title="Click to go to the International Day of Peace website." href="http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org" target="_blank">International Day of Peace</a>. It is a day not only about creating peace between nations, but about supporting non-violence in our homes, schools and communities.\r\n\r\nPeace Day provides an opportunity for groups and individuals – especially young people – to become involved in the peace process. Across the nation, across the world, people are gathering and showing support for non-violence at home and abroad.\r\n\r\n"We have had great success coming together for a common cause," says Rochelle McEvoy, SJVC’s Coordinator of Library and Learning Resources. "Our Diversity Committee takes a leadership role in this event each year."\r\n\r\nPeace Day walks have been organized on many of SJVC’s 13 campuses where fundraisers are conducted to benefit centers for victims of domestic violence. Student, staff and faculty participation in the Peace Day events is voluntary.\r\n\r\nSan Joaquin Valley College participants will enjoy a college-hosted meal after each of the walks, and students are encouraged to bring homemade banners and signs to bring awareness about violence and the need for peaceful coexistence.\r\n\r\nJeremy Gilley’s 2013 theme, <em>Who will you make peace with?</em> is about a global reduction of violence, as well as awareness and prevention of violence in our homes, communities and schools. <a title="Click to go to the Peace One Day website." href="http://www.peaceoneday.org" target="_blank">Peace One Day</a> wants to engage all sectors of society in observing September 21 through support of non-violence and global ceasefire.\r\n\r\nMedia are invited to attend San Joaquin Valley College’s event held at the Bakersfield campus located at 201 New Stine Rd. Please ask for Rochelle McEvoy upon arrival.', 'Local College Walks for ‘Peace One Day’', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'open', '', 'local-college-walks-for-peace-one-day', '', '', '2014-12-30 15:00:01', '2014-12-30 23:00:01', '', 0, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/local-college-walks-for-peace-one-day', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(3053, 17, '2014-09-15 10:00:00', '2014-09-15 17:00:00', '<img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-13024" src="http://www.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/SJVC-Pharmacy-Tech-student-Lauren-Enriquez1-300x136.jpg" alt="SJVC Pharmacy Tech student Lauren Enriquez" width="300" height="136" />"This is the career I never knew I wanted," says <a title="Click to learn more about SJVC''s Pharmacy Technology program." href="http://www.sjvc.edu/pharmacy-technology" target="_blank">Pharmacy Technology</a> student, Lauren Enriquez, who spent several years working at popular SoCal theme parks and, more recently, Starbucks.\r\n\r\nAt twenty-three, Lauren was not happy where she was, but didn’t feel that the college experience would work very well for her either. "I did community college, and it wasn’t a good fit," she says. "But, it didn’t have the guidance SJVC offers me."\r\n\r\nA girlfriend had started SJVC’s Pharmacy Tech (PT) program in <a title="Click to learn more about SJVC''s Temecula campus." href="http://www.sjvc.edu/temecula" target="_blank">Temecula</a>, and Lauren thought it sounded like fun. "I had thought about a career in medicine, but I’m kind of squeamish and not really good about blood and guts and stuff," she says.\r\n\r\nThe PT program would give her the industry she wanted without the queasy bits.\r\n\r\n"I got a phone call not 10 minutes after I requested more information online; and it’s probably the best call I ever accepted," says Lauren. "It was 48 hours from website to ringing the bell (new student enrollment bell) on campus."\r\n\r\nIt was a great start, but Lauren had plenty of apprehension about school. "Oh my god, what if I hate it or mess this up," she worried.\r\n\r\nShe was reassured by the small class size and the amount of one-on-one attention instructors provide. "They have hands-on experience themselves, so know what’s relevant to us in our career field," says Lauren. "Like they tell new students in orientation, ''No one will let you drown.''"\r\n\r\nLauren did not drown. She barely had to hold her breath.\r\n\r\n"Honestly, a lot of it came really easy for me," she says. Lauren blossomed under all the support she got at school and at home from her husband, Chris. She locked into a consistent 4.0 GPA and threw herself into SJVC volunteer work.\r\n\r\n"I was thinking that this is the only chance at college I’m going to get, so I want to have good memories of involvement," says Lauren. "I just want to help my campus and inspire others to get involved too."\r\n\r\nLauren is President of HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) and a member of all clubs on campus, including ASB and Diversity Club. She is a frequent organizer of community events such as Light the Night Walk and Relay for Life, which earned her the Student Ambassador Award and Inspirational Involvement Award.\r\n\r\n"Lauren is a leader on and off campus, daily making a difference for her fellow students and her community," says John Hall, Dean of Student Services. "I can’t wait to see where her drive and determination bring her next!"\r\n\r\nA couple of months ago, Lauren’s strong academic performance and volunteer standing were suddenly at risk. Chris lost his job and Lauren’s focus and finances dwindled. "There was no way my husband would ever let me drop out," so they hunkered down, spent money on the bare necessities, and Lauren resisted the urge to go back to work. Chris just recently landed another position, so some hard choices were averted.\r\n\r\n"I cannot wait to repay him for time I’ve spent mooching," laughs Lauren, who graduates in January.\r\n\r\nLauren would like to go to work for a hospital or compounding pharmacy where she would customize IV bags with specific medications. "I think it’s a fun and interesting process," she says.\r\n\r\nShe would also like to continue her education to get her BA degree in biology before going on to Pharmacy school. "I’d like to be that kind of pharmacist that can actually jump in and help out PTs, and know where they’re coming from," she says.\r\n\r\nHer greatest inspiration to complete her program has been her husband and the better life they can share. Currently living with her in-laws, Lauren and Chris want, like any couple, to get out on their own. "We want to live the way we like, stay close to family…not too close, though," Lauren teases.\r\n\r\nLauren and Chris like to spend time together, often teaming up on video games. "We’re not very competitive and usually do different quests together," she says. "Chris is sitting on the couch, telling me he is better," she laughs.\r\n\r\nLook out world. A shared quest seems to work very well for Lauren and Chris.', 'Pharmacy Tech student shares quest for better life', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'open', '', 'pharmacy-tech-student-shares-quest-for-better-life', '', '\nhttp://www.sjvc.edu/temecula', '2014-12-30 14:56:08', '2014-12-30 22:56:08', '', 0, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/pharmacy-tech-student-shares-quest-for-better-life', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(3058, 17, '2014-09-17 10:00:00', '2014-09-17 17:00:00', '<img class="alignleft wp-image-13019 size-thumbnail" src="http://www.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/SJVC-Rancho-Cordova-participates-in-Habitat-for-Humanity1-300x230.jpg" alt="SJVC Rancho Cordova participates in Habitat for Humanity" width="300" height="230" />Volunteerism is an important part of the overall student experience at SJVC. Recently, six <a title="Click to learn more about SJVC''s Respiratory Therapy program." href="http://www.sjvc.edu/respiratory-therapy">Respiratory Therapy</a> students on the <a title="Click to learn more about SJVC''s Rancho Cordova campus." href="http://www.sjvc.edu/rancho-cordova">Rancho Cordova</a> campus got to find that out first-hand.\r\n\r\nUnder the direction of Michelle Tapp, Learning Resource Center Coordinator and Amy Bianco, Dean of Student Services, these Term 4 students contributed four hours on two separate days to helping Habitat for Humanity restore and organize construction materials and supplies, as well as donated items coming into their warehouse. Habitat is an international, non-profit organization that is devoted to building "simple, decent and affordable" housing that has addressed the issues of poverty housing all over the world.\r\n\r\nThose students making the trip to Habitat for Humanity’s Sacramento site were: Robert Wallace, Joseph Castro, Curtis Echevarria, Holly Van Brocklin, Aaron Palpallatoc and Shannon Stang.\r\n\r\nAfter a brief orientation, volunteers unloaded, cleaned, organized and priced donated furniture. They also participated in selling furniture to buyers and helping them to load purchases into vehicles.\r\n\r\n"The day we arrived, they received truckloads of furniture donated by The Hilton Hotel chain," says Holly Van Brocklin. "Although we didn’t actually help build a house, knowing the work we did to contribute to the program was heartwarming."\r\n\r\nMoney from the sale of donated items helps to pay for some of the costs of building low-income housing. Recipient families and volunteers work to build each home, which takes about six months.\r\n\r\n"I am very proud of our students'' volunteer involvement," says Amy Bianco. "Most volunteer opportunities are on weekends, so our students make a sacrifice to be of service to the community."\r\n\r\nSJVC has been participating with Habitat for Humanity twice a year for about six years. Students learn what community involvement can mean to those needing assistance with their missions of goodwill, while they also learn about teamwork and the versatility of their own skills and knowledge.\r\n\r\n"We can’t wait to go back and volunteer more time to this very deserving cause," says Holly.', 'SJVC students volunteer for Habitat for Humanity', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'open', '', 'sjvc-students-volunteer-for-habitat-for-humanity', '', 'http://www.sjvc.edu/rancho-cordova\nhttp://www.sjvc.edu/respiratory-therapy', '2014-12-30 14:54:06', '2014-12-30 22:54:06', '', 0, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/?p=3058', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(13021, 4, '2014-10-02 15:38:13', '2014-10-02 22:38:13', '<img class="alignleft wp-image-13019 size-thumbnail" src="http://www.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/SJVC-Rancho-Cordova-participates-in-Habitat-for-Humanity1-300x230.jpg" alt="SJVC Rancho Cordova participates in Habitat for Humanity" width="300" height="230" />Volunteerism is an important part of the overall student experience at SJVC. Recently, six <a title="Click to learn more about SJVC''s Respiratory Therapy program." href="http://www.sjvc.edu/respiratory-therapy">Respiratory Therapy</a> students on the <a title="Click to learn more about SJVC''s Rancho Cordova campus." href="http://www.sjvc.edu/rancho-cordova">Rancho Cordova</a> campus got to find that out first-hand.\r\n\r\nUnder the direction of Michelle Tapp, Learning Resource Center Coordinator and Amy Bianco, Dean of Student Services, these Term 4 students contributed four hours on two separate days to helping Habitat for Humanity restore and organize construction materials and supplies, as well as donated items coming into their warehouse. Habitat is an international, non-profit organization that is devoted to building "simple, decent and affordable" housing that has addressed the issues of poverty housing all over the world.\r\n\r\nThose students making the trip to Habitat for Humanity’s Sacramento site were: Robert Wallace, Joseph Castro, Curtis Echevarria, Holly Van Brocklin, Aaron Palpallatoc and Shannon Stang.\r\n\r\nAfter a brief orientation, volunteers unloaded, cleaned, organized and priced donated furniture. They also participated in selling furniture to buyers and helping them to load purchases into vehicles.\r\n\r\n"The day we arrived, they received truckloads of furniture donated by The Hilton Hotel chain," says Holly Van Brocklin. "Although we didn’t actually help build a house, knowing the work we did to contribute to the program was heartwarming."\r\n\r\nMoney from the sale of donated items helps to pay for some of the costs of building low-income housing. Recipient families and volunteers work to build each home, which takes about six months.\r\n\r\n"I am very proud of our students'' volunteer involvement," says Amy Bianco. "Most volunteer opportunities are on weekends, so our students make a sacrifice to be of service to the community."\r\n\r\nSJVC has been participating with Habitat for Humanity twice a year for about six years. Students learn what community involvement can mean to those needing assistance with their missions of goodwill, while they also learn about teamwork and the versatility of their own skills and knowledge.\r\n\r\n"We can’t wait to go back and volunteer more time to this very deserving cause," says Holly.', 'SJVC students volunteer for Habitat for Humanity', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '3058-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-10-02 15:38:13', '2014-10-02 22:38:13', '', 3058, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/3058-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(3063, 17, '2014-09-16 10:00:00', '2014-09-16 17:00:00', '<img src="http://www.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Don-Dutra-300x250.jpg" alt="Fresno Aircraft Maintenance instructor Don Dutra" width="300" height="250" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-13312" />As an instructor for Fresno’s <a title="Click to learn more about SJVC''s Aviation Maintenance Technology program." href="http://www.sjvc.edu/aviation-maintenance-technology">Aviation Maintenance Technology</a> (AMT) program, Don Dutra has seen every type of student join his Powerplant class. Those eager faces fresh out of high school, career-change seekers, and close-to-retirement adventurers who are finally fulfilling a dream, stare back at him.\r\n\r\n"We get some students with zero experience and those who have been in the job market for awhile," says Mr. Dutra.\r\n\r\nNo matter what their work background or experience level, the AMT program will have a positive impact. "Even when a student has not really decided that this is the right course for them, it is important that they keep working toward completion; not giving up," says Dutra. "Maybe for the first time, they learned to finish what they started and to become good at something."\r\n\r\nWhat seems to be an obstacle to their success, if overcome, "helps graduates to become good employees – no matter what the field – and good civilians," as Dutra calls it. "Many happy parents and spouses are grateful they finished and look forward to the next chapter."\r\n\r\nAnd, then there is the ''natural,'' that person who was born to fly…or keep things flying.\r\n\r\n"That student is motivated by being around aircraft; seeing all the different aspects of aviation," says Dutra, whose program is located at Fresno-Yosemite National airport where students can look out on the runway and see aircraft take off and land daily.\r\n\r\n"They don’t get bored seeing that, and they know that one day they''re going to be turning wrenches on similar aircraft," Don says.\r\n\r\nMr. Dutra’s Powerplant class provides instruction in all facets of aircraft engines. Students are up to their shoulders in huge engines of all imaginable aircraft in the campus'' expansive hangar.\r\n\r\nDon describes his teaching style as more ''coaching'' than professorial. "I like to let my students learn from their own mistakes and then briefly explain what went right and what went wrong," he says. "A belly flop makes a better point and they retain the information long-term."\r\n\r\nDon Dutra spent some of his 23-years as a Navy jet mechanic teaching ''mechanics school'' to Navy and Marine recruits. After separation from the military he decided to get the formal education necessary to continue a career as an educator.\r\n\r\nHe earned his A.S. and B.A. degrees while going to school at night and working full-time for SJVC. He took the FAA exam to get his Inspector Authorization license. Don''s experience allowed him to bypass additional training for the test. He passed on his first try.\r\n\r\n"Airframe and Powerplant certified mechanics with an IA endorsement is about the highest honor mechanics can achieve in their career," says Jason Alves, Academic Dean.\r\n\r\nDuring these years of balancing work, school, homework and home-life with his wife, Mary, Don lived the spread-thin life many of his students experience today. He can tell them first-hand that the end result is worth it.\r\n\r\n"I am the very first person in my family to ever earn a college degree," he says having grown up in Fresno in a family of eleven. But, he had good role models. "My mom worked hard her whole life, and my dad was a junk man who spent his life buying and selling cars, which is where I got my interest in engines."\r\n\r\nDon wants to make sure that his students get every bit of life and career experience he has to give them.\r\n\r\n"I want our students to walk away with something that serves them in long-term employment and, hopefully, happiness," he says. "When they walk away with their license, we know they''ve accomplished what they came here for and we''ve done what we are supposed to do."\r\n\r\nJudging from a long line of grads that stop by the campus, the successes are self-evident. Their claims of "I couldn’t have done it without you," and "I am amazed and surprised at how much we learn here and apply on the job," reinforce Don''s confidence in what the AMT program provides.\r\n\r\nToward this end, Don likes to plant seeds of wisdom and offer a little inspiration that might help his students get there from here.\r\n\r\n"I tell them that there will always be the stories about the pilot who saved the day or landed the plane safely," he says. "But, what you never hear about is the mechanic. It''s the mechanic – you – who puts that plane in the air; and it''s only going to stay there if you do your job right."\r\n\r\nDon''s words make a nice landing.', 'Aviation Maintenance instructor sees positive impact program has on students', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'open', '', 'aviation-maintenance-instructor-sees-positive-impact-program-has-on-students', '', '\nhttp://www.sjvc.edu/aviation-maintenance-technology', '2014-12-30 15:03:11', '2014-12-30 23:03:11', '', 0, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/?p=3063', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(3068, 17, '2014-09-22 10:00:00', '2014-09-22 17:00:00', '<img class="alignleft wp-image-13017 size-thumbnail" src="http://www.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/SJVC-Business-Administration-student-Elias-Campos1-300x178.jpg" alt="SJVC Business Administration student Elias Campos" width="300" height="178" />Twenty-three year old Elias Campos is a <a title="Click to learn more about SJVC''s Business Administration program." href="http://www.sjvc.edu/business-administration">Business Administration</a> student on the <a title="Click to learn more about SJVC''s Temecula campus." href="http://www.sjvc.edu/temecula">Temecula campus</a> who will graduate next month. When he leaves SJVC, he will have left an indelible mark on many lives.\r\n\r\nElias comes from a humble background. His parents, Elias and Maria Soledad, had very little formal education because they both had left school early to help support their families. Elias senior''s mother taught him to read and write and Maria spent her youth helping care for her siblings while her parents worked the fields. English lessons came from the TV.\r\n\r\nTheir hard work continues so that their six children can have the chance for something better. With three kids in college, "We all have to work," says Elias. His dad does landscaping, irrigation and harvests avocados, while his mom makes flower arrangements for a nursery. "Between the three of us, we sustain the household."\r\n\r\nThey all put their hopes on higher education. When Elias'' sister, Elizabeth enrolled in the Medical Assisting program, he decided to give SJVC a look. Although already working full-time as Youth Services Library Technician at the Temecula Public Library, Elias knew he had to get his higher education rolling.\r\n\r\n"I wanted to know what would make me the most well-rounded individual, and a background in business would make me more flexible in the job field," says Elias. That made good sense to him.\r\n\r\nElias was a sponge, soaking up every bit of knowledge about business practices. "I learned how to network with individuals on a business level," he says. Elias volunteered at the student store, and brought his newly honed skills into play.\r\n\r\n"From my Excel class, I was able to create our inventory sheet, as well as daily earnings, while I used practices of marketing through fliers," he says. "Business is doing pretty well, and I pretty much have a line waiting before I open the store." He is putting store operation and procedures together for the next person who steps in "to keep the momentum going."\r\n\r\nElias volunteers at Orientation to welcome new students and help them feel more comfortable with what they are about to undertake. "It''s fun to go to orientation and see what they expect," says Elias. "They look scared and intimated, and I probably looked the same," he laughs.\r\n\r\n"Elias is one of the most welcoming people I have ever met," says John Hall, Dean of Student Services. "At orientation, he helps students come out of their comfort zones and encourages their interaction and excitement for starting their college career."\r\n\r\nElias'' sharp mind and helpful nature have earned him many awards: Notable Newbie, Inspirational Involvement, Ambassador Award and Dean''s List. "Hearing my name called for the Inspirational Involvement Award was really nice because it meant Mr. Hall saw something in me. I thought, ''you know, you can probably do more.''\r\n\r\n"I can’t wait to see what Elias does in business," says Mr. Hall. "Whatever he starts, people will want to be a part of it."\r\n\r\nIt is difficult to imagine how Elias might do more. In addition to his full-time position at the library – including Saturdays, where he conducts school tours, helps children pick grade appropriate books to read and oversees events –he also works with his dad and mom each Sunday in the lavender fields to earn extra money. Elias doesn''t get to study until after 9:00 most nights.\r\n\r\n"There are times when I am just too tired to do homework and think I will do it tomorrow," says Elias. "Dad says, ''If it can be done today, then you should do it today.''" His father''s words bear strong influence, and his mother''s steady motivation pushes him forward. His girlfriend, Brenda, has been with him since the beginning and has also been strong motivation for him.\r\n\r\n"The reason I try so hard is that I will be the first in our generation to graduate from college." Elias plans to go further. "I want to see if I can continue and get my BA and, hopefully, a Masters in Library Science."\r\n\r\nElias has dreams of helping his dad start his own landscaping business, "so that he is his own boss."\r\n\r\n"I look back on my parents, who made the best of the opportunities they were given," says Elias. "By continuing to the highest, I want to give them a big ''thank you'' and show my family we can keep moving forward. We can say, ''look at us now.''\r\n\r\nThere will, undoubtedly, be an appreciative audience.', 'Temecula Business student is the guy to watch', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'open', '', 'temecula-business-student-is-the-guy-to-watch', '', 'http://www.sjvc.edu/business-administration\nhttp://www.sjvc.edu/temecula', '2014-10-07 10:25:48', '2014-10-07 17:25:48', '', 0, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/?p=3068', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(12548, 4, '2014-09-25 15:21:33', '2014-09-25 22:21:33', '<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG_0440-2.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-172" title="IMG_0440 (2)" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG_0440-2-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>When Visalia Business Division Manager Jeff Nevins asked how the <a title="SJVC" href="http://www.sjvc.edu">SJVC</a> interns were performing in their efforts for the Tulare County Office of Education (TCOE), supervisor Linda Horsting replied, "They have been a blessing!"\n\nHigh praise for the squad of SJVC Computer Systems Administration (CSA) students volunteering their time since mid-October at TCOE''s Equipment Repair Station (ERS) in northwest Visalia.\n\nTCOE Associate Gary Cordell approached SJVC in early 2011 with the idea for a partnership with the college.  The ERS, which serves many of the county''s smaller public school districts and independent schools, found itself buried in repairs needed for computers, monitors, printers, and overhead projectors.  SJVC instructor Michael Johnson was looking for additional hands-on training for CSA students.\n\n"It was a perfect marriage," stated Johnson, "TCOE needed help and could provide training--and we have the enthusiastic students, ready to learn."  Each intern works two afternoon hours daily, four days per week, over a fifteen week term.  Current participants include Lance Cordero, Jonathan Renteria, Carlos Moreno, Alex Torres, Steven Castaneto, Anselmo Gutierrez, Miguel Martinez, and Richard Schoenfeld.\n\nWhile many CSA students were interested in participating, applicants were required to have completed their first term at SJVC, and have attained a minimum 3.25 GPA.  Additionally, students needed a record of 90% plus attendance, submit a resume, and to pass a rigorous interview with Mr. Nevins, Mr. Johnson, and Career Services Advisor Erika Bassett.\n\n“TCOE is offering our students an outstanding opportunity to gain real-world, hands-on experience, so we take the selection process for student volunteers very seriously,” Ms. Bassett commented. “We want to make sure the students who participate in the program serve as positive representatives of San Joaquin Valley College.  Our eligibility requirements have been set in an effort to reward those who have worked diligently to achieve high academic standing, and to encourage those who are setting a higher standard for themselves.”\n\n<a title="SJVC" href="http://www.sjvc.edu">SJVC</a> is tremendously grateful to TCOE, especially Gary Cordell and Linda Horsting, not only for the opportunity but for helping our future CSA graduates build a strong, technical foundation for their budding careers.   The success of the program has encouraged both organizations to envision it as long-term.\n\nAs Ms. Horsting pointed proudly to a nearly empty rack of computer printers and parts, she said, “Before your students came on board this rack was so full that we hardly could add any more to it.”\n\nCurrent plans call for this successful program to continue.', 'Visalia CSA Students Excel in Internship', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12294-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:21:33', '2014-09-25 22:21:33', '', 12294, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12294-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12549, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '[caption id="attachment_3008" align="alignleft" width="168"]<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/MattDeVera.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-3008" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/MattDeVera-168x300.jpg" alt="Matt and girlfriend, Christine." width="168" height="300" /></a> Matt and girlfriend, Christine.[/caption]\n\nAt twenty-three Matt De Vera had it good. His sales/marketing position for a large insurance company was lucrative and allowed him plenty of free time for his two loves: basketball, which had its hook in him since high school; and Christine, his girlfriend of two years.\n\nBut his job was no longer challenging him, and discontent was building. “My little brother, Joshua, was on his way to becoming a pharmacist and Christine was getting her Bachelor’s in nursing,” says Matt. “They’re pursuing higher education, so why can’t I?”\n\nOnce Matt made that decision, he did not need to be persuaded. “I’ve been self-driven since the beginning of time, so it doesn’t really take much to push me,” he says. “If I want something, I do it.”\n\nMatt talked with friends and a family member who were enjoying careers in Respiratory Therapy, did his research and made the call to SJVC in Ontario. His life spun on a dime.\n\nIt is hard for Matt to remember all the leisure time he used to have. He attends class and drives to outlying hospitals for clinical rotations, while he works over 30-hours a week at Sunglass Hut. “A lot of the pressure of work and school is alleviated because of Christine’s encouragement,” he says. “We study at Starbucks a lot – that’s our dates.”\n\nGoing from sales and marketing to health care might seem like an unlikely segue, but Matt has managed to blend those skill sets into the perfect health care professional: a proficient technician with a personable\n‘bedside manner’.\n\n“I like to get more on a personal level and treat my patients like I would want my family treated,” says Matt. “When I was in sales it was always important to make someone feel comfortable, and this is no different.”\n\nOne day Matt was administering a nebulizer procedure on a patient, a treatment that opens up airways to allow easier breathing. He was being his usual, communicative self; “nothing special,” he says. A few days later Russell McCord, his RT instructor told Matt what a positive impression he had made on one of his good friends – a colleague who worked for a Respiratory Therapy program at another school.\n\n“My friend told me that our RT student gave him excellent care and was a fine example of professionalism,” says McCord. Sometimes, life is like a pop quiz you manage to ace.\n\nMatt feels that one of the best things the RT program has going for it is the instructors. “The faculty is just amazing, and they make time for us in person or email,” he says. “They challenge us to make our mistakes now, instead of when we are professionals out there and responsible for someone’s life.”\n\nMatt graduates in October and has an open mind to where his future might lead him. For the next couple of years he will enjoy a position in his new profession, while simultaneously completing his Bachelor’s degree.\n\n“I’ve been working and going to school for the past six years, so I may as well keep doing it,” he says.\nEventually, Matt would like to join his dad, Abraham, in his home care business. Matt wants to help take that business to the next level through expansion of facilities and services. Matt would also like to see his parents take a much-needed vacation that Abraham’s work has not allowed.\n\n“Mom (Cristina) has always wanted to go to Europe and keeps telling me ‘hurry up so you can help your dad’”, laughs Matt.\n\nMatt keeps all of these balls in the air…plus one more. As Vice Chairman of a basketball league he and another friend started when Matt was just 18-years old, Matt can often be found on the court. His high school days of playing with and against the likes of NBA players Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio Spurs) and Malcolm Lee (Minnesota Timberwolves) left an indelible mark.\n\n“Basketball is an important part of my life; I have to do it,” he says. Does he wish he had gone in the direction of a career in his favorite sport? “I’m OK; I just wish I’d gotten as tall as both of them did.”\n\nNo regrets for Matt. His forward motion toward a secure career in health care has strong momentum.\n\n“I figured that out the first day of clinic,” says Matt. “I’m 100% happy with my decision and would not take it back. It was a good investment for me.”', 'Boredom leads to new career', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '3006-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '', 3006, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/3006-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12550, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '<img class="alignleft wp-image-2965 size-medium" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/1964807_10153911299150271_1340179790_n2b-297x300.jpg" alt="Frank Holsapple" width="297" height="300" /><a title="Criminal Justice: Corrections program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/criminal-justice-corrections/" target="_blank">Criminal Justice Corrections</a> graduate, Frank Holsapple, has no problem speaking up for SJVC’s CJC program in <a title="SJVC Modesto" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/modesto/" target="_blank">Modesto</a>.\n\n“It’s (SJVC) not a Mickey Mouse type of school,” he attests. “What they say, they back up. They produce results, and I’m an example of that.”\n\nA career in law enforcement was never something Frank seriously considered, but when he went with his wife, Heather, to check out SJVC’s Medical Assisting program, he ended up taking a CJC pamphlet home. Within a month, he was in.\n\n“I took a risk by terminating my employment and being a full-time student,” says Frank. “And, after graduation there was no guarantee of a job.”\n\nSchool was a huge adjustment for Frank and his family. Finances were beyond tight, and Frank struggled to find a working balance between life as a student and his family responsibilities, which included daughter, Alexus and soon-to-arrive, son, Landon.\n\n“It was difficult not having an income and adjusting to doing homework and making sure family is taken care of,” says Frank. “Heather was my rock and basically there for me through the hard times.”\n\nAs a 4-year Navy veteran Frank knew all about discipline. He had worked on fighter aircraft, Boeing 707’s – the big planes – that required precise technical skills and discipline. But, unable to get a job in that field after his military discharge, he resorted to driving a truck hauling manure for his cousin’s company. All roads pointed toward higher education.\n\n“The VA (Veteran’s Administration) paid for my schooling,” says Frank. He was going to make the most of it.\n\nFrank and CJC Program Director, Donald Martin, hit it off right away. “I could come to him on anything I needed, and because he was working in the field he helped me with anything work-related,” he says. “I don’t think that if I hadn’t had him, I would be where I am today.”\n\nIt went both ways. “Frank was a dedicated, hardworking student who focused his natural leadership skills that came through in the classroom and the academy,” says Donald Martin. “I am very proud of him.”\n\nSince completion of the CJC program a little over two years ago, Frank is with the same employer that snapped him up just after his graduation. He is a Deputy Sheriff, Custodial, with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department.\n\nSJVC’s CJC academy provides POST (Peace Officers Standard of Training) certification that put grads ahead of the competition. Law enforcement agencies save the cost and time of providing this mandatory training for new-hires, when they bring a SJVC grad on board.\n\n“Other programs didn’t stack up to what SJVC offered,” says Frank. “Instead of just getting a piece of paper that said you completed the course, I got POST certified; that’s what drew me to this program.”\n\nNow, Frank is doing exactly what he was well-trained – and certified – to do: protect and serve the community in which he lives by controlling some of the elements that threaten it.\n\nHis 48-plus hours each week find him deep into everything connected to inmates in the county jail system.  “We are watching inmates, transporting them to court appearances, writing incident reports, responding to inmate seizures and handling fights in the unit, with the use of force when necessary, to control the situation,” says Frank. “It’s definitely interesting, and there’s never a dull moment when you work in the custodial sector.”\n\nYou have to be watchful, wary and ready to respond, especially since the state mandated that prisons would reduce their inmate population overflow by transferring many prisoners to county jails.\n\n“These individuals are a different breed,” explains Frank. “Many of them are lifers and don’t have anything to lose. They are high-ranking gang members, training their new foot soldiers as to how they do things in prison; how they manipulate things and get around the system.”\n\nIt is a whole new game, and Frank is always pushing to stay on top of the evolution, in part through continued education. He is about six months away from earning his BA degree, and hopes to resume his studies soon.\n\nFrank is motivated to reach higher to show his family, which now includes son Maddox, what hard work and dedication can accomplish.\n\n“I was the first to go on to college in my family,” says Frank, whose father had to go to work after high school to support the family. “I want my kids to have good core values, and me going to SJVC will show them you can do anything you want in life so long as you put a lot into it.”', 'You have the right to remain…vocal', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12541-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '', 12541, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12541-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12551, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '[caption id="attachment_2990" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-2990 size-medium" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_1704_adjusted_crop-copy-300x197.jpg" alt="Michael Haagen" width="300" height="197" /> When Michael returned to school to attain the qualifications to be the construction manager he wanted to be, the work was tough and for a time he doubted himself. But not for long.[/caption]\n\nMichael Haagen realized that after 16-years as a service technician in the construction business, the part of his job that really excited him was when he actually got to help manage projects. He knew he had to do something to make team leadership his full-time responsibility, and he figured it would take a degree for an employer see him in that role.\n\nHe did some research and found that only SJVC offered a 2-year degree <a title="Construction Management program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/construction-management/" target="_blank">Construction Management</a> program that met his expectations. “There are certain areas that you know you have to get better at, and SJVC filled all the gaps for me,” he says. He felt it was a bonus that “many of the instructors are actually working professionals in the trade.”\n\nWith the support of his wife, Bennie, Michael enrolled in the CM program…and almost immediately realized he was in over his head.\n\n“I did not pick up on the fact that it was an accelerated program,” says Michael. “It was very stringent and there was a time when I was seriously thinking of dropping out.”\n\nIt was not so much that he was struggling academically – Michael maintained a 4.0 GPA and a steady presence on the Dean’s List. He was working full-time, juggling classes and homework, and trying to be the kind of husband he wanted to be, and not finding the balance he needed to keep it all going.\n\n“I had to step back, breathe and regroup,” he admits. “You have to be honest with yourself and accept that you’ve made the decision and it will take what it takes. Give yourself breaks, get your mind off the academics and find a new source of energy.”\n\nMichael reached out for a little support. A tutor helped him through a particularly rough stretch of math, his employer let him take an occasional day off to catch up on his assignments and Bennie understood his struggle completely.\n\n“My wife was extremely supportive and behind me 100%,” says Michael. “Of course we had to get rid of the bird,” he laughs. “Its screeching wouldn’t work with my studies.”  Their Senegal parrot was placed in a home with lots of young parrots to antagonize.\n\nMichael developed a strong study discipline. “It was pretty much nights and weekends,” he says. “You have to make it Priority Number One, right next to the family. Many things had to get put on the back burner…except for golf. That was my release to take my mind off everything, he confesses.”\n\nHis newfound balance of work, responsibility and time-out paid off.\n\n“Michael was one of the best and most professional students I worked with,” says Ivan Melchor, <a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online/" target="_blank">Online</a> Career Services Advisor. “His dedication to his education was a true testament to his character, and I hope his story inspires others who are not sure about continuing their education.”\n\nWeeks before Michael graduated from the CM program this July, a large company had its eye on him.\n\n“During conversations with them they told me they believed in my leadership abilities and that when I got my degree it shot me all the way to the top,” says Michael. “That solidified for me my choice to get my degree; it definitely aided in my landing this position.”\n\nMichael is only a couple of weeks into his new position as HVAC-R Team Leader, but all the signs of a right move are there. As part of the management team responsible for profits and losses of the service department, Michael is in his element.\n\n“I hit the ground running, and so far, it’s pretty exciting,” he says. “There are a lot of people interactions, the challenges of bridging gaps in relationships with employees and customer expectations.”\n\nMichael is in the thick of flexing his leadership and communication skills. “A lot of those people skills were definitely learned in that (CM) class,” he notes.\n\nSome of Michael’s own life experience and wisdom come into play, as well. “The success of any project depends on how well it is presented and laid out,” he says. If you fail to communicate properly, the success of any project will also fail.”\n\nSome leaders are born, some are made. Michael is tapping both sources to make this long drive right down the middle of his career choice.', 'A natural born leader drives it home', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12540-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '', 12540, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12540-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
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(12552, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '[caption id="attachment_2915" align="alignleft" width="263"]<img class="wp-image-2915 size-medium" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Mauldin-263x300.jpg" alt="Melissa Mauldin" width="263" height="300" /> After growing up watching her mother work as a Dental Hygienist, Melissa knew what she wanted to do with her life.[/caption]\n\nThe shortest distance between two points is a straight line. That straight line is exactly what Melissa Mauldin made between her high school graduation in 2002 and the nearest place she could begin her general education and prerequisites needed to get into a Dental Hygiene program.\n\nShe never had any doubts about the career she wanted. Melissa had watched her mom, Sandy Cannella, enjoy the best of two worlds all her young life. As a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) Sandy got to set her own work days and hours, so that she had plenty of time at home with her family. She could comfortably balance a part-time career she enjoyed with the needs of a growing family. That soft schedule appealed to Melissa very much.\n\n“I grew up watching her, and I could see how flexible it was for her to be able to be with her family and work part-time at a job she enjoyed so much,” says Melissa. “She is still working, at sixty-five, and is able to see a lot of patients she has had for years.”\n\nMelissa has no problem with the following-in-Mom’s-footsteps concept. Especially now that Melissa has two young children and a husband who need lots of her time, she feels her decision to become a Dental Hygienist was absolutely the right one.\n\nBut, she was attracted to more than the convenience that this part-time, well-paying job afforded her. “I really love science, so those classes were really appealing to me,” she says. “Also I like to be around people and work closely with others.”\n\nSJVC in <a title="SJVC Visalia" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/visalia/" target="_blank">Visalia</a> gave Melissa exactly what she was looking for in a top-tier Dental Hygiene program. “I researched different DH programs and SJVC’s was not based on a lottery, but on grades and interviews,” says Melissa. “I did not want to worry about getting picked in a lottery, and SJVC was closer to where I lived.”\n\nMelissa didn’t expect anything to be handed to her. She had spent a year volunteering once or twice a week in a local dentist’s office, doing things like sterilizing instruments, just to get some work experience. It also solidified her feelings that this was the profession and environment that would make her happy in her career. “It was like, OK, I enjoy this,” she says, remembering her relief.\n\nMelissa started her Dental Hygiene program just a week after enrolling. She met two other new DH students, Jaime and Amanda, and they all decided to rent a place together near the college.\n\n“It all happened really fast,” says Melissa. “A graduating <a title="Dental Hygiene program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/dental-hygiene/" target="_blank">Dental Hygiene</a> student had left fliers at the school about the house she was leaving and wanting to rent, and we decided to take it.”\n\nWhat Melissa did not realize at the time is that she had also become a part of a solid DH study team – and friends for life. There were many late-night study sessions fueled by lots of coffee.\n\n“Going in to it, a lot of students were already Dental Assistants, so I had to kind of catch up,” says Melissa. “I had never taken x-rays, but it pretty much evened out after the first month.”\n\nMelissa was a little surprised at the camaraderie of the class. “You really do bond with your class because you go through so much together,” she says. “And, you get to know some of the patients you meet and get attached to them.”\n\nGraduation was in the Fall of 2006, and Melissa focused on passing her national board exam. She had a Dental Hygiene position waiting for her as soon as she got her license.\n\nNow Melissa is enjoying the life she always envisioned. She works part-time for two dental offices and takes great pleasure in treating and educating her patients.\n\n“When I have someone in my chair every six months, it is a good time to talk with them about their health,” say Melissa, who likes the long-term relationships she gets to establish and nurture.\n\nShe also gets to spend lots of time with daughters, 2 ½ year old Kindall and 5-month old Quinn, and Melissa’s husband, Chris, who is a counselor for the Department of Corrections. They stay busy in the summer, swimming in the pool and all the “normal stuff to do in the back yard.” Melissa even has a little time to ride her horse, Gidget, who lives on her parents’, Sandy and Dave’s, country acreage.\n\nShe has the life she made that straight line to enjoy: wife, mother, daughter and Registered Dental Hygienist. Just like her mama.', 'Career:  Straight Ahead', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12535-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '', 12535, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12535-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12553, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '[caption id="attachment_2460" align="alignleft" width="227"]<img class="wp-image-2460 size-medium" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/284859783b-227x300.jpg" alt="Jasmine Murguia" width="227" height="300" /> When the community college Jasmine had been enrolled at for more than three years canceled the classes she needed for her degree, she didn''t know what to do. But her uncle just so happened to work at SJVC Visalia...[/caption]\n\nWhen Jasmine Murguia was a young girl and first got braces on her teeth, she knew the importance of a nice smile. But, it was not until she was crossing the campus of a local community college and spontaneously gave a big smile to a girl as she passed that she found out what that single moment of friendly expression could mean.\n\n“The next day she came up to me and told me she had been thinking of ending her life and that smiling at her changed everything,” says Jasmine. “She was important to me too, because it made me think that a nice smile helps everybody.”\n\nJasmine had been teetering between getting a degree in Dance or Dental Assisting, and that moment solidified her dental assisting career path.\n\nTime passed slowly as Jasmine strove to complete the necessary DA classes at community college. Then, 3-1/2 years in, the classes she needed to complete her program were cancelled. It was recommended that she complete her studies by taking the necessary classes at Fresno City College.\n\n“I live in Tulare, so that was a horrible idea,” says Jasmine. “I don’t know why they would suggest that.”\n\nShe was doing a little venting on Facebook when her Uncle Leonard, who works in Career Services at the <a title="SJVC Visalia" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/visalia/" target="_blank">SJVC Visalia</a> campus, posted that she should come see him the following day. She did and Leonard introduced her to Amy, an Admissions Representative there.\n\nJasmine enrolled in the <a title="Dental Assistant program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/dental-assistant/" target="_blank">Dental Assisting</a> certificate program that day – and her mom, Christina Zarate enrolled in the Medical Assisting AS degree program at the same time! They were excited that, even though Jasmine would complete her program earlier, they would share the same graduation stage.\n\nSJVC’s DA program was a perfect fit for Jasmine, who especially liked the fast pace.\n\n“Every 5-weeks we had a new class, like Orthodonics; and we got to go to different offices for observations of surgery on patients, like laser surgery where they cut the gums open,” says Jasmine. “I didn’t know we’d get to do all of those things.”\n\nJasmine’s life as a student was not without hardship. She had a serious bout with kidney stones that put her in the hospital for a day. She was determined to get back to class as soon as possible.\n\n“This happened during finals week, but I only missed one day,” she says. “I made it through finals in pain and on medication. But, I missed my perfect attendance.”\n\nThroughout her DA program Jasmine was working full-time for a pool service company. Fortunately pool service has a seasonal slow-down. “During the winter when it was so cold, I could do homework while at work,” she says.\n\nHer determination served the 22-year old very well. Jasmine maintained a 3.66 GPA and still made time for the Dental Assisting Club, for which she was President, and Event Coordinator responsibilities for ASB.\n\n“Jasmine works hard, never gives up, and is a team player,” says DA Program Director and instructor, Claudia Saucedo. “She is very professional in how she speaks and represents herself.”\n\nWhen things got tough she would go to a student orientation and lift herself up by encouraging others. Graduation ceremonies reminded her why she was there.\n\n“I went to one of the graduation ceremonies and heard an Honor Roll graduate talk about how he worked full-time, picked up his kids from school then went to school at night,” says Jasmine. I had support and could complete my program without a lot of worries and stress. Everybody has some, but he showed me there’s no excuse; and he inspired me to finish my last month of school.”\n\nJasmine did finish her DA program. She feels a lot of pride in that accomplishment. Now she is looking for that perfect job that will allow her to help others – especially kids – improve their dental health and appearance.\n\n“A lot of people are self-conscious about their smile,” she says. “And, I know it’s not a complete help for people.”\n\nBut, Jasmine knows first-hand that the confidence of a friendly smile can change lives.', 'Smile Power is the new Flower Power', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12518-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '', 12518, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12518-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12554, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '“Growing up I was called ‘stupid’, even by my family,” says Debra White, who recently graduated from the <a title="Medical Office program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-office/" target="_blank">Medical Office</a> certificate program in <a title="SJVC Hanford" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/hanford/" target="_blank">Hanford</a>. “Family was very difficult, and it affected me in my early life.”\n\n[caption id="attachment_2457" align="alignleft" width="284"]<img class="wp-image-2457 size-medium" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/l2-284x300.jpg" alt="Debra White" width="284" height="300" /> After an insufficiently supportive family life in her youth, Debra made it her mission to prove the naysayers wrong, to prove her intelligence and self-worth. There would be trials along the way, but Debra was not one to give up.[/caption]\n\nHigh school was a little easier for Debra, and she found herself making mostly As and Bs in her classes. But, her self-worth still heard the echo of those hurtful words. She became pregnant at 17, and gave birth to Betsy three months before she graduated.\n\nThe chapters of Debra’s life began to flip forward and she found herself married to Danny, a Navy man, living in a series of Navy bases, adding two more children to their family, and making a little extra money cleaning houses on the bases at which they were stationed.\n\nAfter six years Debra and Danny divorced and Debra moved back to her hometown of Lemoore. It was twenty years later that she and Danny reconnected and decided to remarry. All was well until October, 2012 when Danny lost his job. His Navy pension was not enough to live on, so Debra did the thing she thought she would never have to do: go back to school.\n\nThough the financial stress weighed heavily, Debra was also a little excited. “I really wanted to get into medical coding; that was the ultimate job I wanted,” she says.\n\nStill, those old whispers of inadequacy persisted. Could she find it in herself to get through it; to do well?\n\n“I was so nervous about taking my first final in my first mod – and it was an algebra class!” says Debra, who had a troubled history with anything mathematical. “Mr. Atchley called us up there one by one, and he told me I got a B. I was so excited about that.”\n\nShe never slowed down after that. Throughout her Medical Office program Debra excelled, ending up with a 3.89 GPA and perfect attendance.\n\nInstructor Patricia Bishop sums up Debra’s efforts: “Debra was hardworking, helpful and determined. She faced numerous challenges while attending SJVC. Her family was experiencing some real struggles, but she made sure to have her work done. She always remained poised and professional, and was an excellent role model for the other students.”\n\nAt the start of Debra’s externship tragedy struck. Danny was rushed to the ER with complications from a stomach ulcer. “He almost died on the operating table,” says Debra. “He was in an induced coma, then ICU before he finally came home.”\n\nDebra took a month leave of absence from her MO program to be home with Danny during his initial crisis and recovery.\n\nA few weeks later, at age 59, Debra finally made that long walk across the stage at graduation.  She wore the special colors of achievement, a Perfect Attendance pin and heard words of praise from her favorite teacher, Mrs. Bishop.\n\n“Danny (video) recorded my walk across the stage and her speech,” says Debra. “I felt pretty special and proud of myself. It was the financial need and to prove to my family that I wasn’t stupid that inspired me to keep going.”\n\nDebra’s two sisters and her two best friends, Jan and Teresa, also attended her graduation. “My sisters have said that they are very proud of me for accomplishing this.”\n\nTeresa, also a MO student, was often Debra’s study buddy. “We were support for each other, and I thank her for that. We used to tease each other and she’d say that when I finished school first, that half of her brain wouldn’t be there with her at school,” Debra laughs.\n\nA few weeks have passed since that momentous occasion and Debra is working hard at finding the right job. “I am looking online and apply for different types of jobs,” she says. “Career Services send out my resume too and are helping a lot.”\n\nDebra is not a sit-and-wait kind of person.\n\n“I’m thinking about going to my extern site and volunteering to help them with their records piling up,” she says.\n\nNow that’s a very intelligent move.', 'Graduate overcomes childhood names', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12517-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '', 12517, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12517-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12555, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', 'Mark Sandoval was used to being invisible. He had gone to two community colleges and thought he knew the routine pretty well.\n\n[caption id="attachment_2444" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-2444 size-medium" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/mstk2-300x281.jpg" alt="Mark Sandoval" width="300" height="281" /> Mark was accustomed to hands-off professors, so had gotten used to fending for himself, growing shy in the process. But SJVC''s instructors were not like that, instead working to reach out and help their students. In time, Mark would shed his shyness.[/caption]\n\n“My previous experience with college is that they treat you like a number,” says Mark. “If you have a problem you just have to figure it out.”\n\nWhen he enrolled in the <a title="Business Administration program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/business-administration/" target="_blank">Business Administration</a> program at SJVC’s <a title="SJVC Hanford" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/hanford/" target="_blank">Hanford</a> campus, he was about to find out that instructors there were a different breed, and their teaching style was a lot more collaborative. Still, old habits die hard.\n\n“I was leery, in my own shell and didn’t want to talk with anybody,” he says. “It took me a long time to open up.”\n\nRaul Ponce, Mark’s B.A. instructor, slowly drew him out. “Initially, Mark would always do his work by himself and rarely asked questions,” says Mr. Ponce. “After several months Mark began opening up to me and his classmates, came out of his shell and became quite the presenter,” he says.\n\nMr. Ponce worked with Mark to bring out his artistic side and helped him to discover, not only his talent for making computer videos, but graphic design and website construction.  Mark’s emerging talents gave him more confidence, and he began to share his skills and help other students with projects.\n\n“It was awesome that he encouraged me to do that; and Mr. Ponce told me about graphic design in the business world,” says Mark. “It made me want to be more involved and do more things.”\n\nAlthough Mark was originally interested in enrolling in a computer program, he decided that a Business Administration degree would open more doors for him in the business world. At 28 years old, he had spent a few years in retail sales, swimming pool service (“I kept a lot of people from blowing up their pools with too much chlorine.”) and fixing game consoles.\n\nIt was his sister, Monique, who persuaded him to try college again. She was interested in the <a title="Medical Assistant program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-assistant/" target="_blank">Medical Assisting</a> program at SJVC and dragged Mark along to explore his career possibilities. They both enrolled that day.\n\nMark had two very good reasons to make that commitment to get his degree.\n\n“My motivation was to better myself by getting a degree and to help take care of my parents.” It doesn’t stop there. “I want to be the first person in my family to get a PhD,” he says.\n\nMark will start on that path by focusing on a career in accounting. “I really like accounting,” he says. “I like the idea of problem-solving and with accounting, if there’s a problem, you can figure it out.”\n\nThis has been a year of discovery for Mark. Not only has he discovered unknown talents, a new direction for himself and eased out of his solitary mode, he has realized he likes interacting with people.\n\n“We did a lot of group work and had to sit next to different people all the time,” says Mark. “I came to like it for the fact that there was no one to judge me; they all were there for the same thing.”\n\nIt all came together for Mark when he and Monique walked across the stage at graduation this January. They had both excelled in their programs and were recognized for their achievements.\n\n“We were up on the stage together and it was awesome,” says Mark. “It was a great night for our family and our parents were very proud, very happy.”\n\nMark’s new goal is to one day walk in the shoes of his favorite teacher, Mr. Ponce. “If I could learn how to be successful in the business world, then I can teach others how to become successful,” says Mark. “I would do it the way Mr. Ponce does it; interact with students, get to know them. He got me out of my shell.”\n\nMark is already an example of his first point of instruction:\n\n“To be successful: 1) Have a great education, 2) Be open-minded to ideas and opportunities to invest in yourself.”\n\nThe rest will come naturally.', 'Shy guy turns it up', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12516-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '', 12516, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12516-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12556, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '[caption id="attachment_2368" align="alignleft" width="200"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2368" title="Barbara Knudsen" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Hat2-200x300.jpg" alt="Barbara Knudsen" width="200" height="300" /> After Barbara''s job was downsized, she realized she needed further education to do the job she had been doing this whole time, and so she set out to earn it.[/caption]\n\nBarbara Knudsen had worked in the medical field for several years in Ft. Worth, Texas. Although her only medical certification was for front office coding, she found herself working full-time, performing primarily back office procedures for a General Practice physician. Barbara did EKGs, bone density and pulmonary function tests, gave injections, and trained a long line of Medical Assisting externs who steadily cycled through this busy medical practice.\n\nBut when staff downsizing included her position, Barbara was surprised to find that all of her back office experience did not mean much without certification.\n\n“I thought I’d slip into a doctor’s office and they’d be happy to have me,” says Barbara. “But, nobody would consider me because I wasn’t certified, even though I was the one who had been training externs.\n\nMeanwhile she started up a part-time business helping older people to function better at home and continue to maintain their independence. But that business, alone, just did not generate enough income.\n\n“I needed more income, faster,” says Barbara.\n\nShe found SJVC’s <a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online/" target="_blank">Online</a> accelerated <a title="Dental Assistant program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-assistant/" target="_blank">Medical Assisting</a> program and jumped in.\n\n“I hit the books real hard, and 8-9 months later I got the certification,” she exclaims. “It was more intense than I thought. I expected it to be easier since I had worked in a doctor’s office and was already pretty familiar with medical terminology.”\n\nBarbara still breezed through with a 4.0 GPA and a constant presence on the Dean’s List. Next, she undertook her job search with the same determination she applied to her studies.\n\n“Barbara was very proactive and committed to her job search,” says Jane LeBarge, Career Services Advisor. “She handled herself in a very professional manner, and her dedication to the program and job search led her to success.”\n\n“I know that in order to get a better job for a better future, you need certification or a degree,” says Barbara. “Now you still have to prove yourself, but that you have taken the time to complete the whole course tells the employer that you have that education and potential.”\n\nBarbara got the position she wanted at Cityview Surgery Center in Ft. Worth. The additional income allows her to pursue her truest passion in life…horses. Peruvian horses to be precise. She owns five of them at present and keeps them on her 2 ½ acres.\n\nThese horses are not just for the visual pleasure they provide from their pastoral setting. They are used for trail-riding in local Texas areas, and performing equestrian drill for rodeos and other arena horse functions, with a sprinkling of competitions in Oklahoma and Texas, as well as the occasional parade. Equestrian drill is “kind of like square dancing on horseback,” she says.\n\nAnd, at 70-years old, it is Barbara sitting side-saddle, guiding them through their paces. In her spare time, she judges drill competitions all over the U.S. and is Vice President of the Oklahoma Equestrian Drill Association where she hires the judges and is responsible for tabulating team drill competitions.\n\nShe is proud of her horses and loves putting them through their paces – especially Carina Del Sol, who is snow-white with a long mane and tail.\n\n“She will do anything I ask,” says Barbara. “I let her go as fast as her legs will take her, and we whip around those barrels and those poles. When we leave the arena people cheer!”\n\nBarbara has two reasons for pushing herself to extend her education, earn MA certification, and get back into the medical field.\n\n“I love work and I love people,” she says. “It keeps you from getting old. It exercises your muscles – and your brain is an important muscle.”\n\nHer second reason comes down to the practicalities of life. “I’m tired of scraping for money to have fun,” says Barbara. “It’s gas money to go where I want to go and do what I want to do.”\n\nShe is already thinking about her next adventure.\n\n“I figure I got one more move left in me,” Barbara says. “I’ll keep my MA certification active and get a little closer to the mountains. Some place with nice trail-riding.”\n\nFade to black.', 'Medical Assisting certification makes all the difference', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12507-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '', 12507, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12507-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12557, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '[caption id="attachment_2335" align="alignleft" width="250"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2335" title="Kim Houseal" alt="Kim Houseal" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/selfie-250x300.jpg" width="250" height="300" /> After losing two of the most important people in her life, Kim soldiered on, with the help and support of her family.[/caption]\n\nKim Houseal never took the support and encouragement she has gotten over the years from friends and family for granted. She is grateful for every bit of it, and does all she can to build her own strengths, confidence and capabilities.\n\nHer parents, Warren and Patty, always encouraged Kim toward higher education and by the time she was eighteen, Kim had completed Dental Assisting training and was working full-time. But, dental assisting did not meet the need she felt to be in the medical field.\n\nKim had long admired her grandmother, Lorraine, who was a nurse and treated war-wounded military personnel during her long career. Lorraine was Kim’s source of inspiration to pursue a life in medicine.\n\n“My earliest memory of my grandmother as a nurse was when I was in fifth grade, and I heard about everything that she did back during the war, like dressing wounds and caring for the wounded,” says Kim. “It made me want to help people in a way that you couldn’t in any other field.”\n\nKim lost her grandmother a year before enrolling in the <a title="SJVC Antelope Valley" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/antelope-valley/" target="_blank">Lancaster</a> Clinical and Administrative Medical Assisting program. Two months into her <a title="Medical Assistant program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-assistant/" target="_blank">CAMA</a> program, Kim’s father passed away unexpectedly. Kim, her mother and two sisters, Jessica and Cassidy, pushed forward without two of their biggest cheerleaders.\n\nKim focused hard on her studies and on bonding with fellow classmates. She was surprised to find so much support and camaraderie around her, from both instructors and classmates. She was always on the Dean’s List and ended her program with a 3.66 GPA.\n\n“I was surprised at how dedicated the teachers are to helping you one-on-one,” says Kim. “And, we all (classmates) got along, talked and helped and trusted each other,” which was put to the test when it came time to perform injections and blood draws on each other.\n\n“At first we were laughing about it, but when those needles came out, everybody got serious and professional,” says Kim.\n\nKim’s rapport with instructors and fellow students did not go unnoticed.\n\n“Kim’s ability to connect with her classmates, faculty and staff is amazing,” says instructor La Shawna Poston. “If her performance in my class is any indication of how well she will succeed, Kim will do extremely well in the medical field.”\n\nThroughout her CAMA program Kim worked part-time at a local movie theater, but she was very surprised when her Campus Director suggested she interview for a full-time front office position at Avors Medical Group. One interview later, she was hired. Fortunately, Kim only had to balance one month of full-time work with class while she completed her studies.\n\nToday Kim enjoys the satisfaction of a career she feels was made possible by the support and encouragement of so many. Family, teachers, classmates, close friends, and her boyfriend, Enrique – all have made it possible for her to be in the medical field she so desired.\n\n“I love the people I work with and like what I am doing, but I want to be more in the back-office,” says Kim. “They are cross-training me now, and I get to take patient vitals and be more involved in direct patient care,” she says.\n\nKim has some big plans of her own to extend her patient involvement.\n\n“I plan on going back to school and start working toward my B.A.; and then maybe get into a nursing program.”\n\nKim is making certain that she is ready for the next phase of her life by enriching the one she is living right now.\n\n“I love to cook, go to the gym and hike; that’s my life,” she says. Kim hits the gym five days a week; sometimes during her lunch break.\n\n“I spend 30-40 minutes working out and eat in the 20 minutes I have left,” she says. “It helps me to be more energized throughout the day; and I don’t get that afternoon crash.”\n\nKim has managed to get a few co-workers to join her on 5-6 mile hikes in areas about a hour’s drive away.\n\n“We go almost every weekend, and it helps us to get to know each other a little better,” she says.\n\nKim isn’t very worried about the future. She knows that she will take it a step at a time, that whatever support and encouragement she needs will be there when she needs it. Her dad’s best advice still rings true for her:\n\n“Just be your best self and live your own dreams to create your own happiness.”\n\nKim has a lock on that.', 'Support is key to CAMA student’s success', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12504-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '', 12504, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12504-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12558, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '[caption id="attachment_2266" align="alignleft" width="181"]<img class="size-full wp-image-2266 " title="Association of Surgical Technologists" alt="Association of Surgical Technologists" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/logo.png" width="181" height="99" /> Michael''s article was published through the Association of Surgical Technologists'' monthly publication: the Surgical Technologist.[/caption]\n\nWhen Michael Bagtas graduated from SJVC’s <a title="SJVC Fresno" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno/" target="_blank">Fresno</a> campus in November of 2012, he could have disappeared from the educational scene, content to work in his career field with his new Associate’s Degree.\n\nHowever, this <a title="Surgical Technology program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/surgical-technology/" target="_blank">Surgical Technology</a> graduate continues to involve himself in his field beyond simply working. He is a member of the AST, or the Association of Surgical Technologists.\n\nA degree is necessary for employment, but it is not the only thing. Surgical technologists who wish to continue working in their field must maintain their qualifications over the years.\n\nThis is where the Association of Surgical Technologists can help. Providing opportunities for continuing education, the organization helps keep surgical technologists in the game, working but continuing to learn and hone their skills.\n\nAs an active member, Michael wrote an article of his own to be published in the association’s monthly periodical: <i>The Surgical Technologist</i>.\n\nSJVC prides itself on the outstanding work of its students and graduates. We hope to continue to see former students like Michael involved in the professional organizations specific to their fields.\n\nKeep up the good work, Michael.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHis article can be accessed through the link below.\n\n<a href="https://www.ast.org/uploadedFiles/Main_Site/Content/Publications/Web_CE_March_2014.pdf">https://www.ast.org/uploadedFiles/Main_Site/Content/Publications/Web_CE_March_2014.pdf</a>', 'Surgical Technology Graduate''s work published', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12498-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '', 12498, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12498-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12559, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '[caption id="attachment_2227" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2227" title="Steve Hauswirth" alt="Steve Hauswirth" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/steve-300x239.jpg" width="300" height="239" /> Graduate Steve Hauswirth and his family.[/caption]\n\nSteve Hauswirth enlisted in the Air Force when he was 21-years old and spent the next ten years advancing in levels of responsibility for medical units. His training, education and expertise grew with each assignment.\n\nSteve’s military assignments spanned medical technician and Independent Duty Medical Technician, to Jack-of-all-trades where he performed medical and dental exams, labs, water sampling/testing, food inspections; anything to do with the health and wellness of the unit.\n\n“Every day we had to inspect all the food and check the temperatures to make sure it was OK to eat,” says Steve. An outbreak of dysentery was not going to happen on his watch.\n\nSteve’s military career allowed him to go as far as he wanted in his medical training and responsibility. But, finally, what he wanted was to come home and serve the rural central San Joaquin Valley.\n\nSteve had met Krystal, his wife-to-be, who was also in the military. Now in the Sacramento area, Steve searched for a school that would allow him to use his veteran’s education benefits and earn Physician Assistant status.\n\nMany military veterans returning home after years of providing high level medical care in the service of their country are finding that there is no place for them to apply their skills in the states without attending an accredited training program and then qualifying for licensure.\n\nCurrent legislation and benefits, such as the <i>Returning Heroes Tax Credit</i>, American Jobs Act, GI Bill and grant awards to colleges and universities that train veterans for careers as Physician Assistants, are helping to solidify training and keep military medics in the field.\n\n“The VA gave me one year to get into a school or lose the money,” says Steve. He was not going to let his chance to make the most of his extensive medical experience slip away.\n\nHe heard about SJVC’s <a title="Physician Assistant program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/physician-assistant/" target="_blank">PA</a> program in <a title="SJVC Visalia" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/visalia/" target="_blank">Visalia</a> and made the trip to check it out.\n\n“I met with the faculty and a few students and learned quickly that there was a very strong military background among staff and faculty; it became my one and only choice,” says Steve, who had just finished 30 units of prerequisites in 14-months, while working 45-50 hours a week supervising an urgent care department.\n\nSteve dove in, leaving his military bride of just one week to start their life together….alone.\n\n“She has been there for me from the beginning,” says Steve. “Who gets married and then lets her husband go away, potentially for two years!”\n\n“The PA program was hard, and I was in the books all the time,” says Steve. “I wasn’t expecting was the amount of community service and outreach we did, which included working with the Veteran’s Caucus of the American Academy of Physician Assistants – in which I was the founding president of the student group at SJVC.”\n\n“It wasn’t until our White Coat ceremony that it finally hit me,” says Steve. “That was probably my proudest moment; when it all felt real to me.”\n\nThen, it was over. And, even before his graduation ceremony, Steve had been offered a Physician Assistant position with Adventist Health. He loves what he is doing in primary care and making an immediate difference with someone’s medical concern or injury.\n\nIn his youth, Steve and his single mom and two siblings had also struggled, depending at one time on welfare and food stamps.\n\n“We pulled together, while my mom went to trade school and got her A.S. degree in Secretarial Studies,” says Steve. “I want my life’s work to serve that community we came from.”\n\nSteve is motivated by the need to take good care of his family. Although his 15-year old daughter, Micah, lives out of state, he wants to make sure that she has the opportunities he never had. Steve is also very proud of Krystal, who works in the IT department at Fresno’s VA Hospital.\n\n“In addition to supporting me when I was in school, Krystal was finishing her Bachelor’s degree,” he says. “Now she has a Masters in Business and intends to get into hospital administration.”\n\nThey are a family of strong determination and realized dreams. But, there is another vision taking shape.\n\n“We just found out we are going to have a baby,” Steve shares confidentially. The quest continues.', 'Physician Assistant program is a natural for this veteran', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12493-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '', 12493, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12493-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12560, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '[caption id="attachment_2175" align="alignleft" width="285"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2175" title="Elvira Martinez" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/elvira-285x300.jpg" alt="Elvira Martinez" width="285" height="300" /> Getting back on your feet after tragedy is difficult, but Elvira Martinez knew she could not stay where she was forever, resolving to go back to school.[/caption]\n\nThree years ago Elvira Martinez and Jose Contreras experienced the greatest pain parents can endure with the loss of their two-day old son Jose. Elvira could have curled up and let the world pass by unnoticed. Instead she found the inner resolve to try to replace her grief with something constructive, something that would honor a changed future.\n\n“He is not here for a reason, so I have to do something that would serve our family,” says Elvira. “I’m going to be the best for him.”  Baby J, as they called him, was her inspiration to go back to school. She enrolled in the <a title="SJVC Bakersfield" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/bakersfield/" target="_blank">Bakersfield</a> campus Clinical and Administrative Medical Assisting program.\n\nMaybe she pushed herself too soon, maybe at 32 she had been away from a classroom too long, or the leap from commercial bus driver to student just too confusing. Elvira crashed at the end of the first week.\n\n“I was overwhelmed and had a breakdown,” says Elvira. “It was Mrs. Kimber (instructor) that helped me work through it. She told me she understood, that she had been where I was sitting and knew how I felt.”\n\nElvira not only recommitted herself to her <a title="Medical Assistant program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-assistant/" target="_blank">CAMA</a> program, she later volunteered to talk with students at orientation and would-be students during career workshops. She conducted tours of the campus and explained to future students what they should expect as a student at SJVC. She found her own confidence…and her voice.\n\n“I was always the person people came to – even ones who were in school before me,” says Elvira. When our teachers asked who was going to be our spokesperson for something, they would say ‘Elvira will.’”\n\nElvira thrived in her role as a student, mentor and leader. She was president of CAMA Code Blue, ASB member and volunteered at a tattoo removal clinic. She managed to earn a 4.0 GPA and a Perfect Attendance certificate. But, this kind of determination to meet her ideal of “being the best of the best”, came at a price.\n\nShe and Jose struggled to get by financially, while trying to provide for five children at home. Jose’s night job was the only income they had while Elvira was in school, and the kids had the constant needs all kids have.\n\n“We’re team players,” says Elvira. “Jose was ‘mom and dad’ for 14-months and when he worked my mom, Alicia, stepped in and she was ‘mom and dad’. “They did everything for me.”\n\nThe hardest moment she had was just before Christmas. Elvira’s throat catches as she remembers sitting the kids down and telling them they couldn’t afford to get them anything for Christmas.\n\nWhen Mrs. Votaw in the Student Center heard about it, she and others encouraged Elvira to participate in the ‘Angel Tree’ gift-giving program for children of students in need. Elvira pinned a star on the tree for each of her children, listing their age, sex and clothing size, and campus ‘angels’ each selected a name or two to surprise all the children with something special to put under their trees.\n\n“The only gifts my kids got that year were from the school,” says Elvira, who was so touched by their generosity. “They didn’t just care about me as a student, they cared about me as a mother.”\n\nThat spirit of generosity infused Elvira’s commitment to finish her program. “When I was tired and didn’t want to go to class, or didn’t want to study, I’d tell myself that I had to keep going. That Christmas is what I’d reflect on; that Angel Tree.”\n\nElvira made it her business to work closely with Career Services. “Career Services was going to find me the job,” she says, “and Mrs. Baine (in Career Services) sent me lots of leads.”\n\nOne was for a Medical Assisting position at Aegis, a drug addiction treatment facility. “Because it’s substance abuse – and the worst of the worst – it’s an environment that’s not for everybody,” says Elvira.\n\nThey saw her leadership ability and tremendous strength. “I’m pretty stern – I have five children – and they saw that I fit right in,” says Elvira. After an hour-long interview, they hired her on the spot.\n\nSince starting her new position Elvira has taken and passed her Registered Medical Assisting certification and is now considered a permanent and full-time employee. Her 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM work schedule allows her to have lots of time with the kids, and the additional income her family enjoys makes all the sacrifices they made worth it.\n\n“I’m where I want to be right now,” says Elvira. But, her great SJVC experience and her innate love for school linger in her mind, and she tells herself that she “could learn a little more, get paid a little more.” “You always strive to be bigger and better!”', 'CAMA student draws strength from tragedy', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12486-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '', 12486, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12486-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12561, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '[caption id="attachment_2142" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2142" title="Roger Weaver" alt="Roger Weaver" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/036b-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /> After a divorce brought Roger back to his home of Bakersfield, he put his natural talents in massage to good use.[/caption]\n\nFor years friends told Roger Weaver that he had a ‘great sense of touch…amazing hands’ and a giving nature, so it was not a huge surprise for him to find himself in the Therapeutic Massage program at SJVC’s <a title="SJVC Bakersfield" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/bakersfield/" target="_blank">Bakersfield</a> campus.\n\nRoger had found the 15-month <a title="Therapeutic Massage program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/therapeutic-massage/" target="_blank">TM</a> degree program online and “Doors just opened, financial aid and everything,” he says. “It was the perfect time and opportunity, and I was going to make this happen.”\n\nRoger was in need of a new direction. Already in his late 30s, he had spent much of his work life in a business management environment, as well as a few years as a pastor in the ministry. A recent divorce sent him from Reno back to his childhood home in Bakersfield. Roger’s only college experience was a couple of years in Bible College where, when he was nineteen, he “left early and walked away with nothing.”\n\nThis time it was going to be different.\n\nThe small Therapeutic Massage class of about ten students became the training ground to test the reality of his new career plan. Roger learned the importance of ‘body mechanics’ and excelled at its demonstration.\n\n“It’s how you stand and position yourself and your hands,” he says. “It’s how you don’t want to overreach when you perform a massage, so that you won’t injure yourself and so you also deliver a more effective massage. It is the proper body mechanics of using, not just your thumb, but your elbow and forearm,” he affirms.\n\nRoger’s understanding of technical applications and their fluid performance earned him a long line of student peers and eventually clients, during clinical studies. “When my instructor told me I was booked 5-weeks in advance and people were coming back and requesting me, I was very humble and it made me feel it was my destiny,” says Roger.\n\nMonths of near perfect attendance and high grade point averages made Roger a strong candidate for induction into the National Technical Honor Society. Only he and two other SJVC Bakersfield students who applied were accepted.\n\nRoger also stood out for his generosity to other students, many of whom he mentored throughout the program. “If I know something, I’ll share it,” says Roger. “It’s not my glory; I will always encourage others.”\n\n“Roger was well known on campus, as he has an amazing attitude and takes the time to mentor and coach others in his program,” says Chelsea Esquibias, Career Services Manager.\n\nHe also got a lot of encouragement – and massage practice – at home. His mom and dad, Judy and Roger, were used to friends and family coming by for their scheduled appointment. “Who wouldn’t want a free massage – but, I was a calendar person,” says Roger, who worked full-time throughout his program. “All my guinea pigs gave me full support.”\n\nA month before the completion of his TM program, Roger submitted an online application for a Massage Therapist position with Burke Williams Day Spa, one of the largest and most reputable spas in California. He was called within half an hour and invited to come to the Union City offices to begin the interview process. After meeting with various levels of representatives, Roger was happy to join their team.\n\n“Burke Williams was my first-choice because they are a hi-end, five-star organization with a reputation for treating their clients and staff well,” says Roger, who started to work at their San Jose spa right after graduation. “I knew I could have gone with them sooner, but I wanted to get that degree.”\n\n“My age and maturity might give me a different outlook than a younger person,” he says. “This is my long-term goal, not a fly-by-night, then move on to something else, kind of outlook. I am filled with awe that I have my dream job and am part of this company.”\n\nRoger has settled into a steady work routine and has begun to build a loyal clientele. He has his own philosophy about the power of human touch that makes him very good at his profession.\n\n“I love, love what I do – and that is huge,” he says. “I do massage as therapeutic relaxation, physical treatment, muscle tension relief, deep tissue, and breathing techniques – result-focused work. There’s a flow that happens, a positive energy that goes into the other person.”\n\nRoger’s innate talent for giving to others will likely find a larger scale eventually.\n\n“I definitely want to move into a teaching level,” he says. Roger will approach that goal as he has everything else of consequence: “boldly, but humbly,” he says.', 'Therapeutic Massage career matches natural abilities', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12481-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '', 12481, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12481-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
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(12562, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '[caption id="attachment_2137" align="alignleft" width="164"]<img class="size-full wp-image-2137" title="Dana Riley" alt="Dana Riley" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/spotlight2.jpg" width="164" height="187" /> With children and a hectic job, Dana did not have time to go back to school, until she found an online option, that is.[/caption]\n\nSometimes an online program is the perfect match for those whose busy schedules interfere with traditional education.\n\nDana Riley is one of the students, an <a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online/" target="_blank">SJVC Online</a> student from Kentucky. For years, she worked in a nursing home, but the unpredictable hours and her young children kept her tired and hardly in a position to go back to school.\n\nUltimately, SJVC’s Online <a title="Medical Assistant program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-assistant/" target="_blank">Clinical Medical Assisting</a> program was exactly what she needed. Tekla Patton was her student advisor, but their conversations were shorter and less frequent than with other students.\n\n“She didn’t need a lot of help,” Tekla says. “She was very independent. She could do a lot of things on her own.”\n\n“I had time to sit down and study,” says Dana. “I could do things at my own pace.”\n\nDana points to the online program’s flexibility as one of the greatest causes of her success. Traditional education would not have given her the time to properly care for her children and work a job at the same time.\n\n“I started and stopped because of the kids,” Dana says. “But because it was online, I could take a break, help the kids with homework, then go back to my studies.”\n\nAs any parent knows, looking after kids can be both exhausting and time-consuming. With the online program, Dana could set aside her schooling for her family, to return to it later when she had free time.\n\nDespite all the distractions and prior commitments, Dana performed admirably.\n\n“She only had one ‘B’,” says Tekla. “So she made Dean’s List every time.”\n\nThe Dean’s list is a special honor reserved for students who manage to keep their grade point average at 3.25 or above. Needless to say, Dana achieved the distinction in every module she was in, despite her kids at home and her job.\n\n“Caring for her children while pulling that GPA is a great accomplishment,” says Tekla.\n\nBetter yet, it was not long after graduation that Dana found a new job working at a General Practitioner’s office.\n\n“The work schedule is a lot better,” Dana says.\n\nNow she has much more time to be with her kids.\n\n“I feel very accomplished.”', 'Online education offers the freedom necessary to excel', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12479-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '', 12479, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12479-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12563, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '[caption id="attachment_2117" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2117 " title="Steve Cichos" alt="Steve Cichos" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/DSCF7347-copy-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /> After spending a good many years in the construction industry, Steve decided to go back to school, all the while caring for nine kids.[/caption]\n\nAlthough Steve Cichos had been a bricklayer in the construction business for over 20-years, he knew that with layoffs becoming more common, he would have to go deeper if he was going to stay in this business.  “There was less and less work and finances were getting less and less sufficient,” says Steve.  But he didn’t want to walk away from all of those years of experience and knowledge he had gained in the construction industry.\n\nThe <a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online/" target="_blank">Online</a> <a title="Construction Management program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/construction-management/" target="_blank">Construction Management</a> degree program was the perfect solution for someone still working 30-plus hours a week – when the work was there.\n\nIt took Steve a little while to settle into the routine and the demands of being a student again, especially since the last time he cracked a textbook was in high school.  His greatest challenge was “Getting my mind back to going to school and to think again at that kind of level,” he says. But, he wasn’t too worried.\n\nSteve had a routine for class assignments, deadlines and online posts. The family computer is downstairs in the kids’ playroom, so you might think that concentration was a little hard to come by. Not for Steve. “It wasn’t too bad; I’m used to the commotion,” he says.\n\nIt turns out Steve was right. A regular on the Dean’s List, he maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout his CM program. “After I got my first A, I just kind of went for it,” he says.  And, little eyes were watching – all 9 sets. “Having the kids watch me and pay attention to my grades was even more incentive for me to do it,” says Steve. “And, if I wasn’t doing it, I couldn’t expect them to do it.” It might have even gotten a little competitive.\n\nHis sixteen year-old, Carolyn, recently graduated from high school with a 4.0 GPA, was Valedictorian and has already tucked away 45-college units. Steve and his wife, Terrie, are proud of all of their children.\n\nSteve graduated in April and is busy sending out resumes to companies he might like to join. He is optimistic about his qualifications and knows a degree can make all the difference.  “I think a degree sets my resume apart from others applying for the same position,” he says.\n\nLooking back, Steve credits his wife and kids with supporting his decision to continue his education.  But, he also has a strong sense of completing what he starts.  “At first it was financial,” he says, of his motivation. “But, then I got into it and wanted to not just finish what I started, but do well.”\n\nNow Steve is in a position to pass the lessons of his success on to others: “I think if you keep the goal in mind and take it one unit at a time, it all works out fine.”', 'Father of Nine Digs In', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12476-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '', 12476, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12476-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12564, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '[caption id="attachment_2077" align="alignleft" width="225"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2077" title="CAMA graduate Karissa Amador" alt="CAMA graduate Karissa Amador" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/hj2-225x300.jpg" width="225" height="300" /> Karissa had always wanted to help people, making the CAMA program a perfect fit.[/caption]\n\nTwenty-two year old Karissa Amador is a driven young woman with two primary ambitions: give to others and make your own way to success. She learned the importance of these intertwined goals at a very early age.\n\nKarissa never met her father, who moved and changed his last name to avoid child support. Growing up in a single-mom home with four young step-brothers, Karissa understood the meaning of struggle, and sought something away from home to occasionally escape the weight and responsibility of her role. She discovered the power of volunteering and the comfort that comes from helping someone in greater need.\n\n“I didn’t want to be a babysitter and volunteered a lot to be away from home,” says Karissa. But along the way something magical happened. “Helping people is the best thing you can do for yourself and for others,” she says. “I just love that feeling.”\n\nShe carried that ethic with her as a <a title="Medical Assistant program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-assistant/" target="_blank">Clinical and Administrative Medical Assisting</a> student at the <a title="SJVC Temecula" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/temecula/" target="_blank">Temecula</a> campus, where just a few months into her program she was already racking up accolades, including Dean’s List honors. She received the <i>Notable Newbie Award, Inspirational Involvement Award </i>(voted unanimously by faculty) and was selected as one of the student representatives to meet with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), during a site visit. Karissa’s volunteer and leadership efforts were astounding – especially on a campus barely a year old.\n\nSome of her SJVC clubs, volunteerism and leadership roles included: Diversity Club; ASB where as President and sole member, Karissa recruited three other students to join; Blood Drive, where she helped set a campus record; HOSA Heart Walk; Life Stream’s ‘Be the Match’, where she helped register students who donated blood and who could later be determined to have a blood match to someone with a blood disorder/disease; ASB canned food drive; Christmas tree gift drive – where she hand-painted a Christmas tree with bright gifts – and the Diversity Club’s suicide prevention awareness campaign – a special cause for Karissa who experienced such a loss within her own family.\n\nKarissa, who is pretty modest about her talent for leadership and motivation for others to jump in, is philosophical.\n\n“I figure, well, who else is going to do it, you know?” So, she just starts making fliers, starting sign-up sheets and planning photo opportunities and asks, “Who’s with me?”\n\n“Karissa is a born leader,” offers John Hall, Dean of Student Services. “When she is involved, I know the organization will not have a long leadership transition, because she is always giving people the opportunity to step up and perform to their abilities.”\n\nShe also recognizes that many people with jobs, families and other obligations don’t have room in their lives for volunteering. She sees the career benefits that spring up during many of those selfless efforts, however, and encourages others to push themselves.\n\n“You never know when you might see somebody that you can call when you’re ready for a job, or learn something that you didn’t get in class that will make you better at what you do,” she says. “Get involved; it’s the best way of networking.”\n\nKarissa, who worked at Picture People until the end of her CAMA program, graduated in November and is now working at Pacific Dermatology in Temecula doing what she loves best: helping people feel better. Her plan is to continue her education to become a Registered Nurse, so that she might better serve those in need.\n\n“I want to do as much as I can on this earth,” says Karissa. “I want to inspire and touch other people’s hearts and let them know I care about them.”\n\nKarissa says she has learned as much about what she doesn’t want to do as she has about what she clearly wants in her life, primarily from watching her mother, Sylvia.\n\n“It’s been very difficult for her to move forward and stay ahead,” says Karissa. “I don’t want to make some of those same mistakes. But, she has been going to school since I was born and now is working toward getting a job. I am proud of her recent efforts and so hopeful that it will get better for her.”\n\nKarissa, who has lived with her Aunt Corina and Uncle Jeff since she was 17, appreciates all the help and support they provide. “I am thankful every day to have had them in my life,” she says. Family is still one of the most important influences in Karissa’s life and she credits her aunt and uncle, as well as boyfriend, Dion, with helping her to get to this point in life.\n\nKarissa values all of the influences in her young life. “Ever since I was little I have had a strong faith, and that’s what really pushes me the most,” she says. “I have my mother to thank for that. She is the one that introduced me to the Lord and gave me something bigger to believe in.”', 'CAMA student discovers powerful career boost', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12470-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '', 12470, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12470-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12565, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '[caption id="attachment_2034" align="alignleft" width="225"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2034 " title="Phaedra Ray" alt="Phaedra Ray" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/2b-225x300.jpg" width="225" height="300" /> After turning her life around, Phaedra found her life''s calling in veterinary care.[/caption]\n\nPhaedra Ray’s young life was filled with all of the abuses you wish no child to endure. The three people – mother, father, older brother – who should have most protected her, were the primary perpetrators. With no place to hide, she lost herself in the soft fur of a cat, the loving wag of a dog’s tail. Animals would be her refuge then and now.\n\nPhaedra’s first three decades are a blur of drug and sexual abuses. Her physical violations that began at age five and her introduction and subsequent addiction to methamphetamine at age eight led to inevitable antisocial and unlawful behaviors.\n\n“I was told I should have been dead long, long ago,” says Phaedra. “But, I’ve learned that I’m a fighter…a mental fighter.”\n\nFor years Phaedra floundered emotionally, physically and educationally until finally, at age thirty-five and incarcerated, she earned her GED. That little sliver of educational accomplishment was the small hope she began to build upon.\n\nAfter her release a year later, Phaedra began to volunteer at the New Village Pets rescue clinic where she rediscovered her love of animals. Veterinarian, Dr. Piel, recognized Phaedra’s gift with animals and gradually allowed her to participate in surgeries, vaccinations, animal restraint, anesthesia and teeth cleaning and extractions.\n\n“Dr. Piel taught me everything and was always right there next to me and since we were a rescue clinic, pet owners gave me permission to help while I was learning,” says Phaedra. “After a few months Dr. Piel encouraged me to enroll in SJVC’s Vet Tech program in <a title="SJVC Fresno" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno/" target="_blank">Fresno</a>, where she was doing surgeries.”\n\nPhaedra thrived in the VT classroom environment. She maintained a 3.72 GPA, made the Dean’s List throughout her program and was one of only three students nominated for the National Technical Honor Society, of which she is still a member. Fellow students sought her out for mentoring and fought for a place on her team projects.\n\nThroughout her <a title="Veterinary Technology program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/veterinary-technology/" target="_blank">Veterinary Technology</a> program Phaedra continued to volunteer at the rescue clinic where Dr. Piel treated her as a trusted colleague. Although the demands of her program were at times overwhelming, Phaedra persevered and earned the privilege of wearing the special colors of educational achievement at the graduation ceremony held last June.\n\nA few days after graduation Phaedra interviewed for an Office Manager/Head Veterinary Technologist position at Family Veterinary Hospital where she was hired on the spot. In a busy office that averages 15-20 patients and at least one surgery each day, Phaedra has the job of her dreams. She wants one day to get her Master’s Degree so that she can work exclusively in emergency surgery and critical care for her beloved animals.\n\nBut it is her volunteer work that replenishes her sometimes still-fragile spirit. Phaedra volunteers at FOTEP (Female Offender Training Employment Program), where she mentors ten women who have a history of sexual and drug abuse.\n\n“I believe I went through all that sexual abuse so that I could help women who went through the same thing,” she says. “I understand what they’re feeling, what they’re going through.”\n\nPhaedra’s own therapy that “broke me down and built me back up” helped her to better understand her past and accept and appreciate who and where she is now. It also gives her insight into counseling others through their compulsions and feelings of low self-worth.\n\n“All of those group sessions in anger management, shame classes, PTSD, parenting classes, trauma classes, were important to give myself tools to try to live out my life the way I needed to live my life,” says Phaedra. “I had only thought of my past as being about the drug abuse, but my counselor made me look at everything and how the drug abuse was on account of my sexual abuse.”\n\nPhaedra feels that her SJVC education saved her from her past, and she plans to spend the rest of her life helping others – both human and animal.\n\n“It helps me to help them every day of my life,” she says. “In the morning when I come in, if I’m a little down, one of my critters licks me on my nose and I say, ‘OK, now I’m feeling better.’”', 'Veterinary Tech program refuge from childhood abuse', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12463-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '', 12463, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12463-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12566, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '[caption id="attachment_1970" align="alignleft" width="159"]<img class=" wp-image-1970  " title="Deana Bates" alt="Deana Bates" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/1234107_10200625983873985_1703833659_n-227x300.jpg" width="159" height="210" /> This year was a big one for Bates and her family, with lots of life-altering changes.[/caption]\n\nDeana Bates started this year with two life-altering decisions: weight loss surgery and college. Her interest in helping others through a career in the medical field forced a realization. At 240-lbs. it was not practical for Deana to be “constantly moving around with patients,” performing the physical requirements of a position in healthcare. She also knew that her constant back pain would be stressed beyond the limit.\n\n“You can’t really tell people to be healthy if you’re unhealthy,” says Deana, adding the psychological element.\n\nShe had the weight loss surgery in January and enrolled in SJVC’s <a title="Medical Assistant program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-assistant/" target="_blank">CMA certificate</a> program in April. In the last 10-months Deana has lost 85-lbs. She also just completed her <a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online/" target="_blank">Online program</a> with a 4.0 GPA and beginning-to-end inclusion on the Dean’s List. She does not feel as though she accomplished this on her own, however.\n\n“SJVC has been an amazing experience,” says Deana. “I never would have been able to do this without the support I got from my teachers and advisors.”\n\nFirst in her family to go to college, Deana earned her success, as well as effusive praise for her efforts. “Deana sets the example of what an online student should be, in the way that she engages in class with other students, as well as her instructors,” says Pam Soto, Student Advisor. The whole online experience surprised Deana.\n\n“I got the same education I would have gotten if I was sitting in a classroom with 50-students,” she says about the  “thorough coursework”. “But, I was still able to take care of my children, my family; and that was so important.”\n\nDeana’s husband, Kenneth, and their four children ages 6 to 11, have been in her corner all the way. It could not have been easy for Kenneth who, as a beverage delivery person, starts his work-day at 1:30 AM and does not usually get home until early afternoon.\n\n“I wanted to help my husband take care of us and contribute more to our family,” says Deana. “We wanted to get out of living paycheck-to-paycheck.”\n\nThe Bates’ are closing out this year in a very different place than where they started. That is especially true for Deana whose transition from a size 22 to a size 10-12 is life and mood altering. Bouts of depression and low-energy are in the rear-view mirror now; and when she looks into a real mirror she see’s into the future.\n\n“Looking in the mirror, I don’t recognize the person looking back at me,” says Deana. “Seeing myself now, I can wonder what I want to do for the rest of my life.” Many more career doors are open.\n\nDeana worked for a group of cardiologists during her externship and developed a strong affinity for that specialty. She has her hopes pinned on a local heart hospital where she lives in Chandler, TX and will focus her job search there after the first of the year. Deana’s extern site manager has already agreed to write a recommendation for her.\n\n“Deana will make an excellent CMA,” says instructor Carol Williams. “Her contribution to her new employer will consist of respect, honesty, dependability and compassion, to name a few.”\n\nNext year might prove to be on equal ground with the positive changes of this year. The Bates’ hope to move to a new house where they can finally enjoy the comforts of their shared commitments and sacrifices. If, after a while, they want to stretch even higher, Deana has a quiet plan.\n\n“I want to go back to school and become an R.N.,” she says. “But, right now I don’t want to miss out on anything while the kids are little.”', 'Clinical Medical Assisting student makes big changes', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12454-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '', 12454, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12454-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12567, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '[caption id="attachment_1949" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-1949 " title="Lionel Smith" alt="Lionel Smith" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/SV200770-copy2-300x196.jpg" width="300" height="196" /> Lionel has spent most of his life around planes, and it doesn''t look like that''ll end any time soon.[/caption]\n\nLionel Smith is far from ordinary. He is a man with a passion, and a career capable of turning that fiery interest into useful expertise in the minds of his students.\n\nIt all began with the Navy, many years ago. A mere two days out of high school, Lionel enlisted.\n\n“I had never even touched a plane before,” said Lionel.\n\nDuring this time, he was part of the flight crew for a P-3 Orion, tasked with tracking submerged Soviet submarines. He worked with planes, but didn’t have the authorization to fix them himself. He could only inspect the aircraft, then “write the gripes”, leaving the real work of repair and maintenance to others. So, after 26 years of military service, he returned to civilian life.\n\nHe enrolled in SJVC’s <a title="Aviation Maintenance Technology program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/aviation-maintenance-technology/" target="_blank">Aviation Program</a>. After spending most of his life around planes, Lionel could hardly turn his back on them. As a student, he excelled, so much so that the school sought him for employment after his graduation.\n\n“I offered him a job the day he graduated,” said SJVC <a title="SJVC Aviation" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/aviation-campus/" target="_blank">Aviation Campus</a> Academic Dean Jason Alves. “And he took it.”\n\nThis week will mark Lionel’s 3<sup>rd</sup> year having worked as an instructor at SJVC. During such time he taught many of the things prospective mechanics would need to learn. He teaches about sheet metal, air-frame maintenance, hydraulics, avionics and instruments, all vital aspects of aviation maintenance.\n\nAfter Lionel was hired, the Dean gave him two goals to work towards. The first was to attain his Private Pilot’s License. Lionel succeeded, making him the only faculty member at the SJVC Aviation campus to have one. Secondly, Alves tasked Lionel with getting the coveted Inspection Authorization.\n\n“This is the highest honor you can get from the FAA, as a mechanic,” Alves explains.\n\nOnly 1 in 4 takers pass the grueling test. Passing allows the mechanic the exclusive privilege to conduct an aircraft’s annual inspection. Every plane needs it, but only they can provide it. After a plane undergoes major repairs, another inspection is needed, and only the Inspection Authorized can do it. Suffice it to say, Lionel passed. It took two months of studying, but it paid off. Lionel was now among that 25%, that precious few.\n\nSuch an accolade might very well be a great responsibility, but it has its perks.\n\n“You’ll never have to worry about not having a job,” says Alves.\n\nBut Lionel has little interest in leaving the school. SJVC is like a family to him. His wife, normally a schoolteacher at Lemoore Elementary, teaches general education requirements for SJVC in the summer. Lionel’s son attended the program as well, learning the tools of the trade just as his father had. He is now employed, fixing aircraft.\n\nBut Lionel’s interest in aviation doesn’t stop with the end of the work day. A member of the Lemoore Navy Flying Club, he hones his trade on the weekends, helping maintain the club’s three planes.\n\nLionel simply loves working with planes.\n\n“It’s in my blood," he says.', 'Flying is in this SJVC instructor''s blood', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12452-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '', 12452, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12452-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12568, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '[caption id="attachment_1783" align="alignleft" width="290"]<img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1783 " title="Student Sy om" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Screen-Shot-2013-11-06-at-12.03.39-PM-290x290.png" alt="Student Sy om" width="290" height="290" /> Despite the bedlam that can accompany five children, Sy Om managed to excel in the program and graduate.[/caption]\n\nAt 31-years old, Sy Om had waited too long to go to college to let a little thing like giving birth to her fifth child slow her down. Soon after the delivery of her son, Athan, she was eager to get home.\n\n“The day I got home from the hospital she (Theresa Paserb, instructor) was my first call,” says Sy. Theresa had warned Sy that the Medical Coding module of her <a title="Medical Office program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-office/" target="_blank">Medical Office Administration program</a> was the “very hardest class to catch up on.”\n\n“I could have gotten an extension,” she says. Instead, Sy’s attitude was “No, I’m going to show her.” In fact Sy was ready to show the world what she could do.\n\nSy didn’t always have that kind of confidence in herself.\n\nA first-time mom at sixteen, Sy was a stay-at-home mom of four children at twenty. Her first husband made it clear that the only thing she was capable of was cooking, cleaning and staying home. She wished for a life as a profession in the medical field, performing a larger service and making decisions that affected others.\n\n“My dream was just buried,” says Sy. “I left it alone for a very long time.”\n\nThen, she and her children were alone and faced with every single-mom’s greatest threat: how to survive. Sy didn’t waste much time in that state of fear and bewilderment.\n\n“I’m not going to wonder what to do in my life,” she decided. So began a long list of jobs that kept their family intact and food on the table.\n\n“I started in fast-food and 3-years later landed a job as a teller and new accounts person at a bank,” says Sy. “Then I went to work at WalMart because they are a 24-hour store and I could pick my hours.”\n\nThen one Thanksgiving, working the ‘Black Friday’ sale; it was 3:00 AM and she was waiting for long lines of buyers to move. Sy had an epiphany.\n“It’s Thanksgiving and I’m not with my family,” she thought. “It was a kick in the head for me.”\n\nOn December 14th, right after that Thanksgiving weekend, Sy started the <a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online/" target="_blank">online MOA certificate program</a>. Even though she was two months pregnant with Athan, Sy was determined to finally realize her dream of training to work in the medical field.\n\nThis time she had some strong support at home from Jonathan, her second husband. “He helped with children, prepared meals and kept telling me that I was smart and that I could do it,” says Sy.\n\nAfter the first month of struggling to navigate the new world of online classes, things suddenly clicked for her. Sy began to string up her 4.0s and inclusions on the Dean’s List. She was unstoppable…well, until that pesky child-birth thing. But even that event was barely a deterrent.\n\nIn Sy’s Insurance Principles class any doubt she may have had about fitting in at a medical office disappeared. Her own personal ethics matched the criteria for medical standards practice.\n\n“I would never speak of someone’s health problems, just to gossip,” says Sy. “It made me realize how important I would be to the medical field, that I could make my patients feel comfortable with that knowledge.” Her dedication and strength of character did not go unnoticed.\n\n“It was Sy’s determination and motivation to complete the program that shined through at a level above what could ever be expected,” says Theresa Paserb, Sy’s instructor. “She took planning and prioritizing in an effort to meet course requirements to an ultimate high.”\n\nSy graduated in July with two other online students, who together took the stage with the <a title="SJVC Rancho Cordova" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/rancho-cordova/" target="_blank">Rancho Cordova</a> graduates this September. It was a proud moment standing there in her cap and gown, and seeing her loving family in the audience made her vision complete. There before her were Jonathan and all five children, ages 16, 13, 12, 11 and 5-month old Athan.\n\nSy hadn’t told anyone outside her husband and children that she was in college.\n\n“Nobody else knew I was going to school,” says Sy. “I didn’t want to hear any negative comments.”\n\nMaybe that’s why this milestone was even sweeter when family members, including a sister she hadn’t seen in three years, traveled the distance to watch her claim her prize.\n\nNow Sy has a new plan. “I want to get experience as a patient representative, become a medical biller and coder at UC Davis, stabilize for awhile, then go back for a degree,” she says. And, what is her highest vision?\n\n“I want to be the Executive Director of a health care facility,” she says. We don’t doubt for a minute that she will get there.', 'Medical Office Administration student achieves for her family', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12444-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:16', '2014-09-25 22:25:16', '', 12444, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12444-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12569, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:49', '2014-09-25 22:25:49', '[caption id="attachment_1740" align="alignleft" width="290"]<img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1740 " alt="This April Valerie joined Fresno campus graduates on stage where almost 200 graduates celebrated their achievements. It was a moment she savored." src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Screen-Shot-2013-10-14-at-2.18.20-PM-290x290.png" width="290" height="290" /> This April Valerie joined Fresno campus graduates on stage where almost 200 graduates celebrated their achievements. It was a moment she savored.[/caption]\n\nGiven the choice of rolling over or digging in when things get tough, Valerie Coe is going to grab a shovel. And it is that kind of tenacity that got her through some very difficult times over the last year.\n\nAs a Nuclear Decontamination Technician, Valerie spent a lot of time on the road. It wasn’t a bad life, but when her mom, Carole, told her she had cancer, every moment away from her was too long.\n\n“I hung up my hard hat and spent the next two years taking care of her and helping her check things off her bucket list,” says Valerie.\n\nWith Carole’s passing in September, 2012, “My life just imploded,” says Valerie. “I had to look at this as a reason to focus on something else.” Her new focus was education, something her mom had made her promise she would continue one day. Valerie found SJVC’s Online <a title="Medical Office program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-office/" target="_blank">Medical Office Administration</a> program and started classes that same month.\n\nStill very much grieving for her mom, classes, homework and studying were a struggle.\n\n“It was mentally very challenging,” says Valerie. “I was living on coffee and couldn’t make my brain focus. Sometimes it would spring a leak and I’d have to put away the books and cry for awhile, then mop it up and go back to work.”\n\nValerie got out the shovel.\n\n“This wasn’t my first rodeo,” the 57- year old says. “I have a lot of drive, tenacity and training to stick with it.”\n\nIn fact, it did not take long for her “twenty-something” classmates to “figure out that I picked it up pretty easily. I was not bashful about offering my opinion or assistance,” says Valerie.\n\n“Valerie was not only a great student but a team player and leader,” says Theresa Paserb, one of her instructors. “Whether within the discussion forum or live lecture, Ms. Coe extended assistance to her fellow classmates.”\n\nValerie wrapped up her MOA program with flying colors – colors she later proudly wore on her graduation cap and gown.\n\nHer accolades include a Perfect Attendance award, Dean’s List (5 times), 4.0 GPA and the honor of representing her class as Valedictorian at graduation. Valerie also joined the National Technical Honor Society and took and passed the certification exam to become a Nationally Certified Medical Office Assistant.\n\nThis April Valerie joined Fresno campus graduates on stage where almost 200 graduates celebrated their achievements. It was a moment she savored.\n\n“Mom had a bird’s eye view,” says Valerie. “She may have crossed over but my promise to get an education didn’t go with her.”', 'No time for self-pity', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12436-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:49', '2014-09-25 22:25:49', '', 12436, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12436-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12570, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:49', '2014-09-25 22:25:49', '[caption id="attachment_1695" align="alignleft" width="290"]<img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1695" title="Respiratory Therapy student Andrea Evans" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Screen-Shot-2013-09-23-at-2.04.40-PM-290x290.png" alt="Respiratory Therapy student Andrea Evans" width="290" height="290" /> Andrea''s education was put in jeopardy when her husband suffered a heart attack.[/caption]\n\nAndrea Evans knew it was going to be all uphill to succeed in her Respiratory Therapy program on the <a title="SJVC Temecula Campus - offering Respiratory Therapy classes" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/temecula" target="_blank">Temecula campus</a>.\n\nAt 38-years old she’d spent 20-years in the restaurant management business and with only a few post high school college classes in the distant past, confidence in her ability to be a good student was pretty thin. Her fears were realized almost immediately when she noticed that most of the other students were much younger – and faster.\n\n“Their brains were like little machines,” says Andrea, “the way they understood things so quickly. I had to teach my brain to think and study like a student again.”\n\nIt didn’t take long for Andrea to catch the rhythm of her new student identity. And, she excelled.\n\nAbout half-way through her program Andrea’s life and the lives of her husband, Jason, 18-year old daughter, Hayley, and 7-year old Seth changed. Jason, a heavy equipment operator, was alone on a job and digging a trench when his boss, Gary, stopped by. Suddenly, Jason went into cardiac arrest and his heart and breathing stopped. Gary performed CPR until paramedics arrived 15-minutes later and took over. They were eventually able to bring Jason back. Andrea got the call no one expects to get.\n\n“It’s a miracle that Gary was there to help,” says Andrea. Imagining anything else was impossible.\n\nThe next month, as Jason lay in ICU at Loma Linda Hospital and began his slow recovery, one family’s world was turned upside down. It became a routine of “school, tests, drive to hospital, home, kids, eat, sleep, then do it all over again,” says Andrea. She spent weekends at a hotel near the hospital, while her mom and Hayley took care of Seth and household responsibilities.\n\nThe <a title="Respiratory Therapy classes at SJVC" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/respiratory-therapy" target="_blank">RT program</a> was not a priority.\n\n“I thought about dropping out – and no one would have blamed me for it,” says Andrea. But Jason had pushed her to start school and now he was pushing her to finish. “He would have felt even worse if I hadn’t finished and I didn’t want our kids to see me quit.” She hung on.\n\nAndrea found help from an unexpected place. SJVC students and instructors stepped up with every kind of assistance. “Teachers want you to succeed as much as you want to succeed,” says Andrea. “They will meet you wherever and whenever you can to help you.”\n\nClassmate Cheryl Stansburg organized a school fundraiser to help the financial burden Andrea’s family was facing.\n\n“They raised $1,100. for us and it was a very emotional day for me,” says Andrea. “Mr. Hall told me, ‘When there is a student crisis, we come together as a family,’” she explains. “Without their support, this would have been impossible for me to do.”\n\nCheryl, especially, made it her business to cover for her friend. “Cheryl drove me to clinic sites, brought food to me at school and at the hospital, took notes for me when I couldn’t make it to class and just made it clear to me that she would help in any way she could.”\n\nAndrea made up clinical days and still managed to complete the RT program in August with a 3.67 GPA. She has also completed her licensure exam and recently passed the Registered Respiratory Therapy exam.\n\n“Andrea has become an inspiration to classmates, underclass students, instructors and practitioners at the hospitals,” says Michael Schultz, RT Director of Clinical Education. “She is someone I would want to be working with during a disaster situation because she has proven that she has the ability to complete what needs to be done in very stressful circumstances.”\n\nJason is now home and continuing to recover. “He has no brain or heart damage, which we attribute to how healthy he was before,” says Andrea.\n\nAndrea is about to start work as a Respiratory Therapist at a local hospital and is looking forward to a full-time, 3-day work week.\n\n“I spent 20-years in the restaurant business, with a husband and daughter I never saw,” she says. “You always have an excuse to put things off because…life happens.”\n\nAndrea is happy that their new life will allow her more time with her family. Her only regret?\n\n“The thing I’d have done differently is to do this program 20-years ago,” says Andrea.', 'Family crisis nearly forces student to drop out', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12432-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:49', '2014-09-25 22:25:49', '', 12432, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12432-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12571, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:49', '2014-09-25 22:25:49', '<img class="alignleft  wp-image-1603" style="margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 3px; border: black 1px solid;" title="SJVC Alumni David Castain " src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/David-Castain-RESIZED-300x300.jpg" alt="SJVC Alumni David Castain " width="240" height="240" />From owning his own business to attending one of the highest ranked universities in the nation, Rancho Cucamonga alumni David Castain has made several significant leaps and bounds since graduating from the <a title="Business Administration Program " href="http://www.sjvc.edu/business-administration" target="_blank">Business Administration </a>program here at SJVC.\n\nDavid attended and recently graduated from Howard University, where he majored in Speech and Applied Methods and minored in Sociology.\n\nWhile attending Howard, David began hosting and promoting extravagant events in the Washington D.C. area. Coordinating events for big names like Lil’ Wayne, LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neil, Chris Brown, B.O.B-just to name a few- David molded himself into one of the most well-known promoters.\n\nToday David attends graduate school at Georgetown University where he studies Public Relations and Corporate Communications. As he continues to further his education, David also manages his own consulting business, David Castain and Associates.\n\nDavid’s business focuses on solving issues faced by other businesses through the utilization of various marketing strategies. Big name brands David has assisted include Grey Goose Vodka, and as of recent, Warren Buffet’s Cort Furniture.\n\nDavid constantly finds himself referring back to the things he learned here at SJVC.\n\n“SJVC gave me the ground work for everything that I do,” he says.\n\nWith no initial intention of going to school David came to SJVC simply because it was the post high school avenue that many of his friends were taking. With the grace and support of <a title="SJVC Rancho Cucamonga Campus " href="http://www.sjvc.edu/rancho-cucamonga" target="_blank">Rancho Cucamonga’s </a>Campus Director Sherill Hein, David was encouraged to achieve much more than ever imagined.\n\n“School was a second life for me,” David states.\n\nToday David is focused on the expansion of his business, and is confident that he has the potential to become the greatest in his market.\n\n“There’s very little that I don’t know how to do and what I don’t know how to do I will search up on it,” he says.\n\nDavid expresses that his tenacity, fortitude, and passion for marketing was instilled in him through the countless days spent with his mother at craft fairs.\n\nHis undeniably strong will ensures that the future of David Castain and Associates will be very bright.\n\n“Pay attention in class, build relationships with your professors, go to every event and network on campus, don’t just stop after SJVC, continue to go ahead, SJVC to me is a great stepping stone,” David says offering advice to current and future SJVC students.\n\nWe at <a title="San Joaquin Valley College " href="http://www.sjvc.edu/" target="_blank">SJVC </a>are proud of all of David’s accomplishments and are looking forward to all of the wonderful achievements that lie ahead of him.', 'Always a Work In Progress ', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12414-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:49', '2014-09-25 22:25:49', '', 12414, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12414-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12572, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', '[caption id="attachment_1533" align="alignleft" width="146"]<img class=" wp-image-1533" style="margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px; border: black 1px solid;" title="Frank Rodriguez" alt="Frank Rodriguez" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Frank-Rodriguez-RESIZED-199x300.jpg" width="146" height="219" /> After graduating from SJVC as a student, Frank stayed with the school as an employee, to this day.[/caption]\n\nIn 2010, Frank Rodriguez had just graduated from high school and was anxiously awaiting his future as a student at San Joaquin Valley College. Fast forward three years later and Frank is still a member of the SJVC family as an Admissions Representative in the call center.\n\nInitially Frank was a potential student looking for a paralegal program, but his interest peaked when discussing <a title="SJVC Business Administration Program " href="http://www.sjvc.edu/business-administration" target="_blank">Business Administration </a>(BA) with his admissions advisor.\n\n“My goal was to become a lawyer, but SJVC changed that- in a good way!” he says.\n\nAs a student, Frank began to work in the library. The time he spent there is what triggered his desire to stay at SJVC after graduation.\n\n“I fell in love with it. I loved helping the students, it was a wonderful experience,” says Frank regarding the time he spent working in the library.\n\nIn one of his last few weeks of school, Frank got wind of a job lead in the call center through his Career Services Advisor, Jeanette Drake, which propelled him toward his future as an SJVC employee.\n\nAs a student Frank’s favorite thing about <a title="San Joaquin Valley College " href="http://www.sjvc.edu/" target="_blank">SJVC </a>was the family atmosphere. Because family is so important to Frank personally, that element was a key characteristic that made him fall in love with the school.\n\nNow, as an Admissions Representative, Frank’s favorite part is being able to interact with the students and do his part to encourage that same family atmosphere.\n\nAs an admissions representative Frank guarantees that students are put in touch with the people who can answer the questions they have, ensuring that they receive all the proper information.\n\n“It’s very touching,“ Franks says of the role he plays in building futures for SJVC students. “I love it!”\n\nFrank is a perfect fit for SJVC, and his passion for the school and our students is undeniable.\n\n“Yes we are a school and we are a business, but we care about you and what you want to do and what you want to become,” says Frank.\n\nWhile Frank hopes to transition into Financial Aid in the future he knows that he doesn’t want his career to develop anywhere else.\n\n“I want to stay here at SJVC. I want to retire here. I don’t want to leave,” he says.', 'In It For the Long Haul ', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12408-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', '', 12408, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12408-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
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(12573, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', '<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1437" style="margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 3px; border: black 1px solid;" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Mike-Mattingly-ORIGINAL-NO-RESIZE.jpg" alt="SJVC Online Student Mike Mattingly" width="200" height="200" />In 2008 Mike Mattingly and his wife Tabatha were enjoying the good life in Phoenix, AZ. Mike was earning a good salary working for a civil engineering firm with all the perks. Then, whoosh, it was gone. The economic crunch hit them hard.\n\nIt was a time when businesses were downsizing aggressively and Mike was caught up in the wave of layoffs. “I had a lot of experience and was very good at my job, but businesses were using a fine-tooth comb on employee qualifications and if you didn’t have a degree you were gone,” says Mike. He found the same situation in the months ahead, as he searched for work. “Employers are very specific about a degree,” he says. “They have a level of prestige they want to offer clients.” At 29 Mike knew he had to “get that piece of paper”.\n\nIn 2011, after a few years of struggle, Mike and Tabatha moved to Laguna Beach, CA where she went to work as a loan processor for a large bank and he got a full-time job as a concierge at a beach-side hotel. He enrolled in SJVC’s Construction Management<a title="SJVC Online Campus " href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online" target="_blank"> Online program </a>and buckled down. It was the right move.\n\nMike got lots of support from Tabatha who encouraged him to just “Do what you need to do,” to make it happen, and she would take care of everything else. Together for 13-years, “We just make good life partners,” says Mike. “As the primary financial provider, she basically allowed me to go back to school.”\n\nOnce he locked in to back-to-school mode Mike definitely made it happen, earning a 4.0 GPA throughout his 14-month program. He liked the fact that his instructors all worked in the <a title="SJVC Construction Management Program " href="http://www.sjvc.edu/construction-management" target="_blank">construction field</a>. “They would bring their real-life job issues to the classroom, so it wasn’t all textbook,” says Mike. He juggled work, school and home life, and this February Mike graduated at the top of his class.\n\nMike’s first official interview after graduation was for a Project Engineer position with a big construction management company of about 100-employees. When he got home he told Tabatha that he really felt good about the interview, and that the company said they would get back to him in a week or two. Mike turned on his computer and there was an offer letter from the company he’d just left. “We read it together and were elated,” says Mike, who “couldn’t wait to put in my 2-week’s notice at the hotel.”\n\nHis recent success in both his education and employment has spurred Mike to take it higher. “I’d like to get my Bachelor’s and get into the technical and design end of this business,” he says. But, for now, he is content with the rewards of his effort.\n\nHis first office job meant “I have my own desk and drawers, my own computer, my own stapler,” he joked. “I really got lucky with a great company; we are a good match with great chemistry,” he says. Something tells us that luck has very little to do with it.', 'Economic crunch forces big decisions ', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12397-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', '', 12397, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12397-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12574, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', '<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Shena_Reid-fixed.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1291" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Shena_Reid-fixed-227x290.jpg" alt="Shena_Reid fixed" width="227" height="290" /></a>Shena Reid wasn’t sure she would do very well in college-level classes, when she considered enrolling in the Online <a title="Medical Assistant" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-assistant">Clinical Medical Assisting</a> certificate program. It had been a dozen years since she graduated from high school and thought it would only get harder, as so much time had passed since she was a student. “I took a chance with this Online class,” says Shena.\n\nWhat she found out is that, as a private Jr. college, SJVC is deeply invested in providing all the support a student needs to be successful. “My biggest surprise was how teachers were always helping students,” says Shena. “They called and e-mailed all the time, making sure you were on track. They even gave you their phone number to call any time or schedule tutoring time. That was huge to me,” she says.\n\n<a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online">SJVC’s Online</a> support system worked for Shena, who maintained a 4.0 GPA. “I actually didn’t make these kinds of grades in high school, so this was a big deal for me,” she says. The high point for her was seeing her test scores come back. “I put in the work for them and had the information to make those grades,” she says. “But, I give God all the thanks.”\n\nShena also had a lot of support at home. Her husband, Ali, encouraged her all the way. More than that, he knew her study schedule and made sure he had their three children, ages 3, 4 and 11, well taken care of. “He was very, very supportive; he made sure I didn’t slack on my school work, and took care of the kids every day for me to study,” says Shena.\n\nShena has always been drawn to the medical field and wants to work in either a Cardiology or OBGYN environment. Several people in her family have had serious medical problems that helped her to decide on a career in that field. “Something was pulling me in this direction and it’s like I was destined to do this,” she says. Shena spent a lot of time watching those professionals who worked in hospitals and took care of sick people and thought, “Why not do it myself.”\n\nShe is well on her way. “I will take my time, but I will eventually get in to the RN field,” says Shena, who wants to work for awhile in a career into which she just recently earned entry.\n\nSomeone else may share her career inspiration. Shena’s 11-year old son, Cam’ron, has been watching his mom pretty closely and looking through her medical books with interest.  It would make her success all the sweeter to see her son share her chosen path.', 'You''re Not in High School Anymore', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12390-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', '', 12390, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12390-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12575, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', '<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Bill-Lennon.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1271" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Bill-Lennon-290x290.jpg" alt="Bill Lennon" width="290" height="290" /></a>When Bill Lennon dropped out of high school his junior year to take over his Dad’s dry wall business after his Dad fell and broke his neck, Bill made two important promises to himself: He would one day go back and finish high school and eventually go on to get a college degree. On his 30<sup>th</sup> birthday he celebrated the acquisition of his high school diploma and last month, at 56 years old, he earned an A.S. degree in <a title="Construction Management" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/construction-management">Construction Management</a>, ready to frame.\n\n“My family said, ‘I can’t believe you’re doing this at your age,’” he laughs. But they know him well enough to know that Bill will do what he says he will do. “Pick you end result and stay with it,” says Bill. His wife, Jackie, his 6 grown kids and 14 grandchildren had no real doubts about his commitment, abilities or eventual success.\n\nBill has had a solid construction business for 17-years, but knew he needed to get up-to-date on new industry software, materials and techniques. “You have to know these things and can’t always rely on other people to do it for you,” he says. “I have to be self-reliant in almost everything I do.” Plus, he was tired of ‘chasing the dollars’ and wanted to feel a little more secure in his profession and ‘kind of just 9 to 5 it’ for awhile.\n\nIt took Bill a little while to get into step with his <a title="SJVC Online" href="http://sjvc.edu/online">Online</a> coursework. He tried studying at night after work, but he had little energy left over after a hard day’s effort. He started getting up at 4:30 in the morning and studying until his work day started at 7:30. He got into the habit of taking his laptop with him wherever he went and grabbing some study time whenever there was a break. “Every 15 minutes I found during the day was 15 less minutes I had to do later,” says Bill.  On the Dean’s List eleven times and with a 3.74 GPA, his system must have worked very well. He got into a rhythm and stayed with it.\n\nThere was a side benefit to Bill’s commitment to his studies. He had to give up some of the control of his business to a couple of employees who rose to the occasion and proved worthy of the additional responsibilities. “Danny just latched onto whatever I gave him, showed some tenacity and took up some of the slack so I could study,” says Bill. That included his 2<sup>nd</sup> oldest son, Billy, “who impressed me with newly discovered capabilities and earned some independence,” he says.\n\nBill got lots of support from his Online instructors, too. “These guys had more than just ‘the stuff’ and had the ability to relate without talking down to you,” he says. Bill knew that when he completed the Construction Management program he would walk away with something of value to himself and his customers.\n\n“A lot of guys have a sign on their truck, but that doesn’t mean they can do what it says they can do.” Bill has made certain that any sign he displays, any work he has committed to, and any word he has given means something.', 'A Life-long Learner Keeps His Promise', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12387-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', '', 12387, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12387-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12576, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', '<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/photo-1.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1158" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/photo-1-290x290.jpg" alt="photo-1" width="290" height="290" /></a>Jaspreet (Jessy) Manak, RRT will be the first to tell you that she was spread very thin those last couple of months before she graduated from <a title="SJVC Rancho Cordova" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/rancho-cordova/">Rancho Cordova</a>’s Respiratory Therapy program in November. During her 4<sup>th</sup> term Jessy organized a <a title="Respiratory Therapy" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/respiratory-therapy/">Respiratory Therapy</a> event at the Yuba City Sikh Parade. “At the same time we were taking mid-terms, finals and practice exams for our CRT and RRT certifications, and I was at my breaking point,” says Jessy. “I wouldn’t have made it through the program without my classmates- that turned into an extraordinary group of friends.”\n\nDuring times of stress she pulls her family’s love and wisdom around her and remembers their struggles and encouragement. “I was 7-years old when my Dad (Joginder) died, so my mom, Baljit, raised my younger brother, Shaun, and me by herself for many years,” says Jessy. “She never let us see what a struggle it was for her.” But, Jessy knew that when her mom’s parents came to the U.S. from India, “They had a hard time even putting food on the table,” she says. “And, she just wanted her kids to have a better life than she had.”\n\nThat ‘better life’ is starting to unfold for Jessy, who went to work in January for O’Connor Hospital in San Jose as a Respiratory Care Practitioner. It was her first job application, first interview and first hire in her chosen field. “<a title="SJVC" href="http://www.sjvc.edu">SJVC</a> really prepares you to interview,” says Jessy. “Those interview skills were why I was chosen for this position, and it’s like the 18-months of (RT) training really paid off.”\n\nNow happily settled into her new position at O’Connor, Jessy isn’t letting up on herself. She is working 12-hour shifts every Thrs., Fri., and Sat. night at the hospital, while going to San Jose State Monday through Thursday to complete her B.S. She is feeling the burn of long hours, but she is not backing off.\n\nJessy’s plans include future certification as a Neonatal Pediatric Specialist and an eventual Master’s Degree in Public Health. Her motivation to excel comes to her in the quiet moments. “My Dad is always watching over me and I want him to see that I’m growing up to be the successful woman he wanted me to be,” says Jessy. She knows the road will be difficult, but she remembers her Aunt Jas saying, “Even when you are young and you see your friends going out, you have to make sacrifices.”\n\nJessy hears the truth in those words and adds a few of her own: “I have the rest of my life to have fun. I have to get my future together now!” Meanwhile, Jessy is setting an important example for her siblings, including her 5-year old brother, Ryan, who says, “I want to graduation college just like Jessy.” Jessy feels the reward of creating that kind of inspiration. “My brothers are a big motivation for me and I want them to know they can succeed in whatever they put their minds to,” she says.\n\nJessy does manage to balance her intensity with occasional rewards. “I do find time for a workout,<b> </b>pamper myself, shop and go out with my friends,” says Jessy. “All the things normal 22-year old girls do – just not as often!”', 'Young, Ambitious... and Stressed', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12373-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', '', 12373, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12373-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12577, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', '<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Kylie-Johnson.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1128" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Kylie-Johnson-290x290.jpg" alt="Kylie Johnson" width="290" height="290" /></a>Kylie Johnson had always worked in a criminal justice environment, starting with the Bakersfield Police’s Explorers program and finally in the US Army’s Military Police. But, after exploring her options with an <a title="SJVC" href="http://www.sjvc.edu">SJVC</a> admissions advisor, she found herself drawn to the <a title="Dental Assistant program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/dental-assistant/" target="_blank">Dental Assisting program</a>. Shortly after starting the DA program, she knew it was the right move.\n\n“I loved it,” says Kylie, who at first thought the 14-month program would feel like forever. “Once it got going, it went really fast,” she says. “The teachers knew what they were doing and made sure we understood everything. They were always there for us.”\n\nIt didn’t take long for Kylie to find kindred spirits among the other DA students. “We were all there for the same thing,” she says. That shared goal brought them closer together. When Kylie was having trouble getting to school on time because her son’s pre-school was so far away, someone suggested one that fit perfectly with Kylie’s schedule.\n\nKylie’s husband, Zachary is in the military and was stationed in So. Korea, for most of the time Kylie was in the DA program. Kylie and their 3-year old son, Aiden, lived with her mom, Lisa and Kylie’s sister, Samantha, who both pitched in to make school possible. “I had great family support,” says Kylie who used her mom’s car to get to and from school.\n\nKylie took two important things away from her experience at SJVC: “I learned so much in the DA program and met some great people along the way.”\n\nA lifelong resident of Bakersfield, Kylie recently moved with Zachary and Aiden to Colorado, where Zachary is currently stationed. They will be there for at least three of Zachary’s 6-year tour. “It’s time for me to get back to work,” says Kylie, who is looking forward to her first job in her new industry. She only plans to work as a Dental Assistant for a few years, however. “I want to advance my career and go back to school to get my DDS,” says Kylie.\n\nIt is important to Kylie to prove herself both in her field and as a provider for her family. “It’s a different kind of pride for you to say that you can do that, too,” she says.\n\nKylie isn’t sure if she can return to Bakersfield for the graduation ceremony in March. She didn’t get to walk across a stage for her high school graduation, getting her GED and enlisting in the Army instead. If Kylie isn’t able to make the trip back to share the stage with her fellow DA graduates, she wants to tell them something. “Thank you guys for being such a great support team. When I thought I would never get to the end, you helped me so much.”', 'Career Path Takes Sudden Turn', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12370-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', '', 12370, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12370-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12578, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', 'Violeta Chaidez is the first<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/violeta1.jpg"><img class="alignleft  wp-image-660" title="violeta" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/violeta1-290x290.jpg" alt="" width="291" height="290" /></a> member of her large family to attend college and come away with a degree. Her parents and four siblings know from watching her these last fourteen months, while she got up early for class, studied during the summer when her brothers and sisters were out of school and working to keep her grades up, that it could be done.\n\n“I loved showing them my degree and maybe inspiring them to go to college, too,” says Violeta.\n\nHer 3.8 GPA indicates she is a deserving role model.\n\nHer <a title="Business Administration" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/business-administration/">Business Administration </a>classes provided the perfect fit for her future plans.\n\n“I wanted to enroll in a program that would give me the most opportunities for a career,” says Violeta, who would like to open her own spa business one day.\n\nOne class in particular provided a big boost to her self-employment dream.  “Miss Nichols’ Business Capstone class taught us a lot about running a business,” she says. “It was more than just buying stuff to sell; it was about how to attract people and how to make your business come alive.” Fun and creativity were definitely emphasized.\n\n“I thought that classes might be a monotone of lectures and homework, but class projects like creating your own business and selecting a theme made it so much fun.”\n\nVioleta will attend<a title="SJVC" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/"> SJVC’s </a>graduation ceremony on Jan. 18<sup>th</sup> in Rancho Cucamonga. Her parents and siblings will be there to cheer her accomplishments, and she is pretty sure her brothers and sisters will use this memory to move forward in their own educational lives, now that she has shown the way.', 'SJVC Graduate Sets The Education Bar High For Her Family', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12351-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', '', 12351, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12351-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12579, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', '<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Sergio-Calvillo.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-649" title="Sergio Calvillo" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Sergio-Calvillo-290x290.jpg" alt="" width="290" height="290" /></a>At 31-years old, Sergio Calvillo knew the 13-year gap between classes was going to hurt. Classmates in his <a title="Surgical Technology" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/surgical-technology/">Surgical Technology </a>program “were fresh out of high school and zipping along,” he says, while he wrestled with being a student again. “Being back into academics was a real struggle for me,” he says.\n\nSergio knew he had to buckle down if he wanted to break out of the Auto Body industry in which he’d spent most of his life, earning a living for his family. When he was laid off the second time, he knew he had to make his move.\n\n“The Surgical Tech program in <a title="Fresno Campus" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno/">Fresno</a> grabbed my attention,” he says, “because it has very high graduation and placement rates.”\n\nIt was a difficult balancing act. His wife, Evelyn, and children Dominic and Emma had to do a lot of their usual ‘family things’ without him. Sergio admits to feeling pretty neglectful during those months he was in school, when he was regularly pulled away from his kids’ school, sports and family events.\n\n“I did a lot of my studying while everyone else was sleeping,” he says, and still managed to make the Dean’s List every quarter; a “pretty big deal” for a guy who scrambled to stay up with the just-graduated-high-school ‘zippers’.\n\nEvelyn works full-time as a Pharmacy Technician, so they had to juggle child care, along with work and school schedules. It was important to Sergio that his kids saw their effort and got the message of the importance of an education.\n\n“If I can show them that I can still do it – that, at 31, Dad can go back to school and finish it, maybe they will understand,” says Sergio.\n\nNow all of their parenting lessons and shared sacrifice have finally paid off. After graduating Nov. 29<sup>th</sup>, two job offers “have landed in my lap”, says Sergio.\n\n“I am so blessed to get a job right after graduation,” he says. If all goes smoothly, Sergio begins orientation at Clovis Community Hospital on Dec. 17<sup>th</sup> and the Calvillos will begin to breathe a little easier.', 'Better Late Than Never', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12346-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', '', 12346, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12346-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12580, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', 'Maria <a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/grad-picture-with-husband-21.jpg"><img class="alignleft  wp-image-592" title="grad picture with husband (2)" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/grad-picture-with-husband-21-290x290.jpg" alt="" width="290" height="290" /></a> Moua was used to putting her needs last. As a teen mom she began that habit 14-years ago, and her strong sense of responsibility for others has only grown in the years since. College was one of her goals that had to take a backseat.\n\nIn early 2006 Maria and her husband, Tom Xiong, moved with their growing family of three children from Minnesota to Fresno to take care of Tom’s very ill mother. Hmong culture dictated that Tom, as the youngest of his parents’ nine children, must share the greatest responsibility for her care – which meant that Maria was next in line, while her husband worked. That experience inspired Maria to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, soon after her mother-in-law’s passing.\n\nAfter a few years working in a convalescent home environment, Maria knew she had to reach higher. She enrolled in SJVC’s <a title="Surgical Technology" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/surgical-technology/">Surgical Technology </a>program in <a title="Fresno Campus" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno/">Fresno</a>, just two weeks after her fourth child was born. The whole family had to make sacrifices for her to be able to complete the intense, 16-month program.\n\n“You just have to tell yourself every day to pick yourself up, put one foot in front of the other and go forward,” says Maria. “If you stop, your sacrifice and everything you put your family through is for nothing.”\n\nThe family schedule was built on precision, which included physical and speech therapy appointments for their 10-year old son, Stephan, who has special needs. Maria knows she missed a lot of her family’s life, while she was trying to complete her studies. Her 14-year old daughter, Dawn, filled in for Maria as well as she could by doing the laundry, starting dinner and other household and childcare chores. Everyone’s effort finally came to fruition.\n\nMaria graduated at the top of her class and is now working at Madera Community Hospital in the field she loves and fought so hard to enter. She is spending a lot of time reconnecting with her family and is happy to support her children’s dreams of college. Dawn is already taking college classes, while she is in high school.\n\n“I want her to do something great for herself, says Maria. “It’s her turn now.”', 'Family First', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12337-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', '', 12337, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12337-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12581, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', '[caption id="attachment_710" align="alignnone" width="290"]<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Hillari.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-710" title="Hillari" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Hillari-290x180.jpg" alt="" width="290" height="180" /></a> Hillari Shaw, SJVC student-now-business-owner, stands tall with parts of her support system on either side.[/caption]\n\nGraduating college is a huge step in one’s life - and creating your own business after graduating is an even bigger step. Modesto Therapeutic Massage student Hillari Shaw knows what it takes in order to open her own business.\n\nShaw enrolled in <a href="http://www.sjvc.edu/" target="_blank">SJVC’s</a> program with a focused plan to open her own business.\n\n“This was not a dream for me as a job, but rather a dream to incorporate a new lifestyle,” stated Shaw. Envisioning a toxin-free environment to give massages, she thought there was no better place than SJVC to start her education.Her steady focus and motivating drive kept her dedicated to her schoolwork and eager to make her dream reality.\n\n“I collected a vision in my mind, transferred it to paper and made it a reality by accepting no less than what I had imagined,” said Shaw.She knew it would not be an easy task but with her classmates, whom she referred to as her own family, and Dean Amy Courtwright, she had the positivity and extra push to attempt her goals.\n\nThe day after finishing her last clinic at SJVC, she opened the doors to her new business, “Shh…Studio”. Turning the key on January 31 to open her own studio was a moment Shaw will never forget. It was the day she was finally able to see her dream as reality in a beautiful studio that showed her own personality and style.\n\n“I hope that experiencing the ambiance of my studio will give people a whole new "take" on massage. I offer an organic, toxin-free environment with the appearance of the inside of a Moroccan tent - a personalized pampering session with upscale appeal.”\n\nCongrats, Hillari!We are proud of you!', 'From Student to Business Owner', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12328-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', '', 12328, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12328-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12582, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', '[caption id="attachment_699" align="alignnone" width="290"]<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Annie.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-699" title="Annie" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Annie-290x214.jpg" alt="" width="290" height="214" /></a> Annie, first row and third from left, in Washington D.C. with fellow SJVC students.[/caption]\n\nIt’s easy to lose sight of the end when you’re in the middle, but<a href="http://www.sjvc.edu/"> SJVC</a> graduate Annie Ferla is proof that the end – finishing school– is worth every step of the middle.\n\n“It is refreshing to know if you have a goal in mind, a wish list of what you want, and you work hard enough you will land your dream job,”says the Visalia campus Health Care Administration graduate.\n\nAnnie was offered a job even before she finished her extern and last term of school. For a few months she juggled roles as student, employee and a mother of two, but she knew the end result would be worth every overwhelming moment.\n\nAnnie is now where all college students hope to be after graduation: working a job she loves, for someone who, according to her, “couldn’t be a cooler doctor. She’s nice, she’s funny and she takes care of her employees.”\n\nAnnie has already made huge differences in the doctor’s office. From the outset the office admitted to have serious cash flow problems. Using the skills she learned in school, Annie recovered thousands of dollars for the office in only three months. Her efficiency and training has allowed her to replace two other employees from the office.\n\nAnnie’s success and confidence in her skills has allowed to her find high degrees of satisfaction in her work. “I love picking up the mail in the afternoon and seeing money come in that was previously just sitting in a file and giving this to the doctor and seeing her face light up,” said Annie. “I’ve helped to take a lot of stress off both my doctor and the company.”\n\nAlthough Annie had seven years bar tending experience previous to SJVC, it was not the professional job she was proud to tell her kids about.\n\n“I am not just doing customer service jobs anymore,” said Annie. “I have a big girl job now, not a frilly little kid job.”\n\nWith a college education and a stable job she is now able to give her kids a better life. She is grateful she can show them that she started going to school, finished and now has professional job.\n\nHer advice for students mid-program?\n\n"Nothing that’s worth it comes easy. You can’t be handed a job on a silver platter, you have to work for it. Stick with it and you’ll get recognized, you’ll get offered a trip to Washington D.C, you’ll get offered a job. Walking across that stage at graduation and knowing you did all the work will be an amazing feeling.”\n\nAfter seeing a commercial for <a href="http://www.sjvc.edu/">SJVC</a>, Annie jumped right into school. Finishing the program in 14 months, Annie urges students to push through the quick, condensed schedule and not take days off here and there.\n\n“You can’t miss a couple of days and decide to take a leave of absence. You have to stick with it. If you don’t work hard for this you won’t go anywhere.” \n\nAnnie takes pride in how successful she was while a student at SJVC. Being a 4.0 student with perfect attendance and being picked to go on the Washington D.C trip, this was a huge change from not finishing high school and only completing three years of junior college.\n\nFrom day one she knew she was going to love billing and coding. She is grateful for the training SJVC has provided.She believes without the program she would not understand everything that is essential for her job.\n\nCongrats Annie! We’re proud of you too!', 'Nothing That''s Worth It Comes Easy', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12304-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', '', 12304, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12304-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12583, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', '[caption id="attachment_786" align="alignleft" width="290"]<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/GROUP-CORRECTIONS-HESP-STUDENT-Porchea-Bowdre.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-786" title="GROUP CORRECTIONS HESP STUDENT Porchea Bowdre" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/GROUP-CORRECTIONS-HESP-STUDENT-Porchea-Bowdre-290x213.jpg" alt="" width="290" height="213" /></a> Bowdre and her fellow corrections students at SJVC Hesperia[/caption]\n\nPorschea Bowdre was tired of hitting a promotional ceiling in her professional career. As a correctional facility employee, Bowdre had all the experience necessary for a position in parole but was missing one thing – a degree.\n\nAn obviously social person, Bowdre never saw nor experienced education as an island. Referred to SJVC by her sister, she came to the Criminal Justice program on <a href="http://www.sjvc.edu/campus/Hesperia/" target="_blank">SJVC’s Hesperia campus</a> and “enjoyed it from day one.”\n\n“I tell people about it all the time it’s great…there’s someone there to help you,” says Bowdre. [SJVC’s] dedication to helping students here is almost like a snowball effect because whatever class you go into there’s always someone who says ‘Well if you need help I can help you,’ so everyone here is like one big team.”\n\nPrevious to starting at SJVC, Bowdre felt intimidated – as a 29-year-old mom, school was going to be a big change. One of the biggest hurdles for Bowdre in the beginning was finances.\n\n“It’s like you pay for your household - basically your rent, your car, and I’m a single mother of one so it’s like ‘Well my kid needs shoes but hey, I also need a uniform shirt’ so what do you do?”\n\nHowever, it was Bowdre and the SJVC students’ commitment to community that yet again proved education is not an island.\n\n“Like I said everyone here is a team. The CJ program started putting on bake sales and carwashes, anything to help one another out. You need help with uniform money? Boom we’re going to put on a carwash and all the CJ students are out there washing cars. So the transition was rather smooth but I’m not going to say I didn’t have any hurdles.”\n\nBowdre looks forward to graduation and returning to the corrections field – but “no more hanging out at the bottom of the food chain!” she says. Bowdre will look for a supervisory position after school as well as look to continue her education.\n\nSome days it’s work to stay motivated, but there are plenty of encouragements for Bowdre. As a committed CJ profession, Bowdre see the inherent service in her work.\n\n“A lot of people look at it [criminal justice] just as an authority or a controller. I look at it as helping my community; I’m keeping the bad guys in to help my victims feel safer at night. I look at it as almost community service.”\n\nAnd most importantly, she sees the long-run benefits of her education for her daughter. She encourages students to “keep your heads up. There’s always light at the end of that tunnel, always is, never fails. Things that come into our life are just things that are trying to distract us from getting to our goal, but if you continue to focus on your main thing then you’re going to get there.”\n\nWhat’s your encouragement to other students who might be struggling or trying to figure out if they are going to come back?\n\n<em>“Definitely whatever they are going through, I don’t know what works for them but what works for me is I pray. But I will assure them that being here, there’s someone here who cares! If you don’t think that anyone cares, someone here cares and you know what I care! So if you need me to come in to help you with your study plan, you need me to come in to help with studying anything for a test or a quiz I’ll come in. All of us here have a phone list with everyone’s number. We took it down, like hey we’ll text each other. Hey make sure your boots are shined, Hey were doing this, Hey we’re going to be studying on this time on Sunday. We meet outside of class; we don’t just come in and meet Monday through Thursday. We meet on the weekends and we’ll help each other. So I would tell that student, if you need help call me. I’m here for you. If you feel like no one cares, I care because I’m making my time available to you because someone’s made their time available to me and that’s what you need. You need that support.”</em>\n\nDo you have any hobbies that you do on the side that people don’t know about?\n\n<em>I’m a loner. I pretty much just spend time with my daughter. I’m at church every Sunday. I cook, I cook at church, and I cook big Sunday dinners for the congregation. I put together food boxes for the homeless. We’ll get different boxes donated to us from other companies and we’ll put them together and whatever food that we get in for that week we’ll put them together and make sure the families get an equal amount. Other than that I’m an ice-cream fanatic. I love ice-cream. I really love Ben and Jerry’s Turtle Soup and I’m so upset because they quit selling that up here, and the nearest Turtle Soup is in Santa Anna can you believe that!? But I’ve settled for the Dove chocolate bars.</em>\n\n<strong>Congratulations Porschea on your graduation from <a href="http://www.sjvc.edu/campus/Hesperia/" data-blogger-escaped-target="_blank">SJVC</a> this past fall – we are so proud to call you one of our alumni! </strong>', '''No More Hanging Out at the Bottom of the Food Chain''', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12288-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', '', 12288, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12288-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12584, 4, '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', 'We love to hear from our students post-graduation and thought we''d post one of our most recent success stories here. Congratulations to Matt! We are so proud of you!\n\n<em>I started my <a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online/">San Joaquin Online</a> experience August 2010. Since that time I have gained a vast amount of knowledge, not only in my construction major, but also my academic classes. After twenty years in the residential construction field I decided to further my education and my career. My goals were to obtain my degree and work toward employment in a management role. With a set goal and determination, I have obtained both.\n\nThe road has not always been easy, juggling a full time career, family, and school has caused me to look into myself and my character. Dedication to all of these simultaneously has made me a stronger minded person, for which I am grateful.\n\nA week prior to my graduation date I was offered a position as a residential site superintendent. The best part is the offer came from one of the top fifty builders in the nation and the one I really wanted to work for. I could not have done this without the support of all of my teachers, advisors, as well as some classmates. My success is a true testament that if you set your goals and stay focused you will achieve the dreams you have for yourself. This is the start of my growing career and when the time is right, I will return to school to gain a higher level degree and continue to succeed.\n\nBest of luck to all who are on the path to success at <a href="http://www.sjvc.edu/" target="_blank">San Joaquin Valley College</a>!\n\nSincerely,\nMatt Miller</em>', 'Congratulations Matt Miller!', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12289-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:25:50', '2014-09-25 22:25:50', '', 12289, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12289-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12585, 4, '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '[caption id="attachment_3034" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-3034 size-medium" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Fresno-SJVC-Surgical-Tech-students-300x200.jpg" alt="Fresno SJVC Surgical Tech students" width="300" height="200" hspace="5" /> SJVC Fresno''s Surgical Technology program recently received the annual merit award from the NBSTSA for achieving a 100% pass rate on the Certified Surgical Technologist exam.[/caption]\n\nThe <a title="Click to learn more about SJVC''s surgical technology program." href="http://www.sjvc.edu/surgical-technology">Surgical Technology program</a> at the <a title="Click to learn more about SJVC''s Fresno campus." href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno">Fresno campus</a> has received the annual merit award from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for achieving a 100% pass rate on the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam. The most recent exam cycle ran from Aug. 1, 2013 through July 31, 2014.\n\nFourteen Surgical Tech grads from the Fresno campus tested for certification during that time frame, and all fourteen passed this exacting exam to take their places in the upper echelon of their chosen field.\n\n“Certification as a surgical technologist demonstrates achievement of academic success and positions our graduate to be successful in a competitive job market,” says Teri Junge, Surgical Technology Program Director for SJVC’s Fresno campus. “Many employers require certification as a condition of employment.”\n\nThe CST examination is the only fully accredited examination by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) for surgical technologists in the nation. NCCA accreditation assures that the CST examination meets stringent standards of examination development and administration.\n\nGraduates from SJVC’s 16-month Surgical Technology program who obtain national certification demonstrate, by examination, their understanding of the basic competencies for safe patient care in the operating room. The Certified Surgical Technologist is widely recognized in the health care community as the foremost credential for surgical technologists in the nation.\n\nCertification exhibits professional pride, the desire to be recognized for mastery of surgical competencies, and most importantly, an ongoing commitment to quality patient care.\n\nA 100% pass rate for Surgical Technology program graduates is testament to the high caliber of both students and program.', 'SJVC Receives National Recognition for Fresno Surg Tech Program', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '3033-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '', 3033, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/3033-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12586, 4, '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '<img class="alignleft wp-image-2951 size-medium" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/20140605_121257b-234x300.jpg" alt="20140605_121257b" width="234" height="300" />If you are like most females, your hair is your signature trademark. Whether spiked, a smooth line to the jaw, pink-tipped, a mass of curls or hula girl long, your hair is likely your crowning glory.\n\nSo what would possess Career Services Advisor, Devon Dilley and Admissions Advisor, Marissa Marzan at the <a title="SJVC Fresno" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno/" target="_blank">Fresno</a> campus to make a grab for the scissors? <em>Locks of Love</em>.\n\n<em>Locks of Love </em>is a not-for-profit organization that utilizes donated hair and financial contributions to provide hairpieces to disadvantaged children under age 21 with medical hair loss. Hairpieces are custom-made for each child’s head and are vacuumed-fitted so that recipients can swim, shower and do gymnastics – essentially be kids again, with their gifts of human hair wigs.\n\n<em>Locks of Love </em>accepts clean, non-bleached hair in braided ponytails at least 10” long. It takes at least six ponytails to make a single wig that would retail for about $3,500 for a custom, vacuum-fitted hairpiece.\n\nDevon and Marissa thought it would be brilliant for <a title="SJVC" href="http://www.sjvc.edu" target="_blank">SJVC</a> to raise some serious money for such a great cause. So, they challenged the Fresno campus to raise $1,000 in just three weeks. If their fundraising was successful, both Devon and Marissa would agree to be chopped. The American Medical Technologists club and Student Council members took the challenge and got to work planning fundraisers.\n\nThe campus was in a flurry of activities: Jeans Days, alumni license plate sales (held advantageously at SJVC’s graduation reception) and a raffle for a gift-filled basket were in the line-up. With last minute contributions to the pot by those really wanting to see Devon and Marissa with a buzz cut, the total just tipped $1,000.\n\nAMT club president, “Lisa, headed up the fundraisers and took personal time to make sure we hit our goal,” says Devon. “Her daughter is in first grade and wants to donate her hair. It really touches our heart that the word gets spread to even our kids.”\n\nSpectator chairs were placed around the outside patio for sheer pleasure.\n\nShanna, a local stylist, donated her time to expertly braid, snip and calm a weakened heart.  There was no going back, and no second thoughts.\n\n“It’s fun to be able to donate something more than just a check,” says Devon. “It’s something you can afford that everybody can do, and it makes you feel good.” Easier to say when you lose all of that weighty hair on a 107 degree day.\n\n<em>Locks of Love </em>got some quality merchandise that day. “Neither of us had ever dyed our hair in all our lives, so we actually had pretty healthy hair to give them,” says Marissa.\n\nDevon donated four 12” braids and Marissa gave up three 13” and two 12” braids. That is 111” of slow-grown, silky goodness straight to some kids who are going to do some sassy hair flips because of Devon and Marissa’s kindness and generosity.\n\nBoth Devon and Marissa are happy things turned out the way they did and credit SJVC students, staff and faculty with rallying around this cause.\n\n“Both Devon and I have a mutual friend connected to SJVC who has recently gone through cancer treatment and hair loss; and that was the deciding factor for us to donate,” says Marissa. “We thought it would be nice to give more than money, and we had the ability to do that.”\n\nIt may be a little while before Devon and Marissa make another such personal donation. “We won’t be doing this again, at least for another three years – it takes that long to grow out,” they laugh in unison.\n\nIt looks as though there will be no more hair tosses in their immediate future. “Oh, that will still happen,” promises Marissa, who still has shoulder length tresses.', 'It’s a hairy situation', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12533-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '', 12533, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12533-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
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(12587, 4, '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '[caption id="attachment_2490" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-2490 size-medium" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/el-salvador-photo2-300x246.jpg" alt="Nancy Spruit" width="300" height="246" /> After working at SJVC long enough to get the number of vacation says she needed, Nancy immediately departed for El Salvador, using her dental knowledge to provide services.[/caption]\n\n<a title="SJVC Fresno" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno/" target="_blank">Fresno</a> campus DA instructor, Nancy Spruit, wanted for several years to travel to a remote area with the International Christian Organization, <em>Help the Children</em>, to provide dental care to those in dire need. But she had to wait until she had worked at SJVC long enough to get that extra 5-days of vacation in order to make the commitment.\n\nThis March Nancy joined nine SoCal dentists and 15-third year dental students from UCLA to fly to El Salvador, where they set up a temporary dental office inside a church in the city of San Salvador.\n\n“They took all of the chairs out and we brought in portable dental units, a portable digital x-ray machine, sterilizer and enough supplies and equipment to provide all the normal services in a dental office,” says Nancy. “We did cleanings, extractions, fillings – both composite and amalgam – and even had one chair for root canals.”\n\nThe week-long service was hosted by the town’s local church, whose clergy notified the community the dental team was coming. Lines started forming early each morning and dental services were performed on a first-come, first-serve basis.\n\nAlthough many of the patients were in their 30s, ages ranged from 3-years old to the very elderly.\n\n“We did for each of them what was most important,” says Nancy. “We couldn’t restore their entire mouths because we needed to make sure that the majority of patients were seen. And, they could come back the next day and wait in line again for additional work.”\n\nAbout half-way through the week the local media came out to film the humanitarian effort underway for their news channel. “After that, we had a lot more – many more than we could see every day,” says Nancy.\n\nSometimes families would sit outside in the shade all day, waiting for their turn. That ‘wait time’ turned out to be one of the most important aspects of this humanitarian effort, as the church’s clergy would take that opportunity to invite each person to their nightly church services. Many patients returned each evening to receive the church’s message and blessing.\n\nAt least half of the <em>Help the Children</em> dental team had participated in these dental care missions in previous years. Those students who were first-timers were excited to get to work on ‘live’ subjects, as that experience does not usually occur in their training to become dentists until the fourth year.\n\nNancy was the only <a title="Dental Assistant program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/dental-assistant/" target="_blank">Dental Assistant</a> on the team and she found herself training a local volunteer who spoke no English, to use the sterilizer.\n\n“I teach dental students how to use the machine, and here I am teaching without using words,” laughs Nancy. “It was interesting to work side-by-side with people and not even know their language.”\n\nThe hospitality of the church and the community was humbling. “The people in the church made themselves completely available to us,” says Nancy. “Ladies were making lunch for us all morning, and the last day they made us lunch and dinner. They had jobs and gave up their jobs to serve us.”\n\nIt was calculated that the dental team provided $113,000 in dental services to 235 people during their four days in El Salvador.\n\nEveryone was so enthusiastic about the success of the mission. “All five student first-timers said they would come back after they graduate,” says Nancy.\n\nAs a first-time participant too, Nancy had her own unexpected realizations.\n\n“My biggest takeaway was, I thought we were going to do dental treatment, and that was their biggest need,” she says. “These people had a spiritual need as well and I am happy to know that there was going to be a follow-up for that need in the church setting.”\n\nNancy felt a fusion of the team’s humanitarian services with the church’s spiritual mission.\n\n“People in line had a spiritual experience, as well,” she says. “Several dental students made a commitment to their faith. It was bigger than a dental mission for me.”\n\nNancy is counting herself among those who are determined to make a return trip. “I would love to go back and hope I am able to.”\n\nIf you are interested in volunteering for this organization see <em>ways to help</em> on their website: <strong>www.helpthechildren.org</strong>.', 'SJVC Dental Assistant instructor hears the call to help', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12521-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '', 12521, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12521-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12588, 4, '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '[caption id="attachment_2319" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2319 " title="The Cast" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/MAM-Cast-Curtain-Call2-300x175.jpg" alt="The Cast" width="300" height="175" /> When Fresno campus staff member Nancy Hale was asked by the Campus Director to start a drama club, she happily complied.[/caption]\n\nSJVC <a title="SJVC Fresno" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno/" target="_blank">Fresno</a>’s latest efforts to support the local Boys and Girls Club show not only a high level of commitment to community involvement and student activity, but also to creativity…and drama.\n\nThe Fresno campus Upstage Club is relatively young, with an early 2013 start date, but it has shown that age has little to do with action.\n\n“It was supposed to be a community thing to get students involved,” says Nancy Hale, the club’s creator. “It’s fun to be able to communicate on this level, to bring staff and students together, as equals.”\n\nCasting is open to students, staff, and faculty, so instructors can act alongside their students.\n\nAfter choosing a play and rehearsing, it is time for the players to perform before their classmates. Each play runs roughly 30 minutes, and each will show 3 times, enabling students in morning, afternoon, and evening class sessions to attend.\n\nThe tickets cost $2 each, or $3 for two. The turnouts are significant, filling the Fresno Campus lecture hall to the brim.\n\n“It’s not a huge cost to put them on, so the profits can go to charity,” says Nancy.\n\nThe most recent play was <i>Cleft for Me</i> by Maurice Berger, a comedy and social commentary meant to make the audience laugh as well as reconsider their own priorities.\n\nThe money earned from the production is given to the Boys and Girls Club of Fresno County. The most recent production’s profits sent a number of boys and girls to the Annual National Keystone Conference in Anaheim, when otherwise the organization would not have had enough to send them all.\n\nFortuitously enough, the most recent cast included one student who, in their youth, benefited from the charitable work of the Boys and Girls Club.\n\nThe campus is quite proud of being able to help in this way, all the while adhering to its core values and instilling a care for community in the minds of its students. It sets a great example for this next generation of professionals.\n\n“It really helps to build community,” says Nancy.\n\nWith the most recent production finished, it is now time to hold auditions and pick a script for the next production to run in July. So far, the Drama Club has put on four plays, but plans to hold many more. The club plans to hold three plays every year.\n\nOn a bittersweet note, the club will soon be losing many of its members, as the players graduate from their programs and pursue new careers. Upstage will need more students to take their place.\n\n“Everyone else in the club appears to share my love,” says Cullen Dagatan, student and club participant. “I would encourage you to join if acting is something you’re interested in.\n\nWe can hardly wait to see what they put on next!', 'SJVC Fresno sets the stage for laughter and charity', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12501-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '', 12501, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12501-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12589, 4, '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '[caption id="attachment_2244" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2244" title="Candace Hunter" alt="Candace Hunter" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Me-300x223.jpg" width="300" height="223" /> As a program instructor, Candace''s job is not just to train her students in the ways of their profession, but to teach them how to be professional members of the work force.[/caption]\n\nTeachers can spend an entire career trying to figure out how to connect with students. For <a title="Medical Assistant program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-assistant/" target="_blank">Clinical Medical Assisting and Clinical and Administrative Medical Assisting</a> instructor, Candace Hunter, it just comes naturally.\n\n“Building trust,” says Mrs. Hunter. “I like to share stories about things I have witnessed during my 23-years as a Medical Assistant. We talk about things like how to handle a difficult patient and about how you can react the way you would like to, or how to react in a professional way,” she says.\n\nCandace likes to lean in to the challenges of teaching students who have very diverse backgrounds and work experience.\n\n“I really enjoy it when students come in and they don’t know anything medical,” she says. “To see the change from where they start to what they become is very gratifying. Not only is it affirmation that they are in the right program, it is a self-esteem booster for a lot of these students.”\n\nIt does not take CMA and CAMA students very long to figure out that they are in good hands in Mrs. Hunter’s class.\n\n“She is a caring teacher who puts her focus and time in to her students,” says student Michelle Navarro. “The class, as a whole, thrives to want to do better because of her structure and being a good role model so we don’t want to disappoint her.”\n\nThen, there is the <i>Fred Factor</i>. Writer Mark Sanborn’s bestseller, <i>The Fred Factor</i>, was about his postman, Fred, and the extraordinary service he provided. Sanborn identifies four principles that some people have that demonstrate the <i>Fred Factor</i>. Those are individuals who: choose to make a positive difference each day, have a heart for people, change ordinary moments into memorable ones, and lead by example.\n\n<a title="SJVC Fresno" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno/" target="_blank">Fresno Campus</a> Director, Sumer Avila, took his inspiration and set up a nomination system to recognize those attitudes and behaviors with a <i>Fred Factor </i>award for students, staff and faculty.\n\nRecently, an Orientation for new students was interrupted in order to present Candace Hunter with nine Fred Factor Awards. “It was great because many students at the Orientation would be in my class the following Monday, and they got to see that and maybe think, ‘Hey, we’ve got an awesome teacher,’” says Candace.\n\nCandace is quick to credit SJVC with providing programs that give graduates the best opportunity for success. “I admire the fact that at SJVC we go more in depth in student training,” she says. “Our students have an advantage when they go out there because they have more knowledge.”\n\nHer students feel both the weight of the medical programs’ expectations and the support to do well. “She makes sure we understand what we are learning and cares if we aren’t doing well,” says Kathryn Wilson. “She wants to help us to succeed in our career.”\n\nCandace creates an equal opportunity learning environment where each student gets her full attention.\n\n“Lots of students come in with a lot of uncertainty and very little direction,” says Candace. “But, they know they want to have a better life, to provide better for their families, but they’re not sure how to do it.\n\nShe starts with professionalism; one of the things, she admits, that is the hardest to teach.\n\n“I explain that in past jobs they might have been able to come to work late, dress how they want, use swear words or talk back to a supervisor…but not when they get into their new profession,” says Candace.\n\nCandace knew about this code of professional behavior long before she entered the workforce.\n\n“My dad, Harold, was my hero, she says. “He worked long hours as a truck driver and always had good words of advice: get to work before you are supposed to start. Don’t expect anyone to hand anything to you, you will only achieve anything with hard work, and never settle for less.”\n\nCandace remains a steadfast role model, as her students gradually embrace the skills and behaviors of their new profession.\n\n“It just feels great to be a part of someone’s professional and personal growth,” says Candace.\n\nIt makes her time at home with her husband, Rayme, and their two dogs all the sweeter.', 'MA students pile it on for favorite instructor', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12495-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '', 12495, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12495-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12590, 4, '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '[caption id="attachment_2179" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2179" title="Fresno Community Health Fair" alt="Fresno Community Health Fair" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/photo-copy-300x197.jpg" width="300" height="197" /> AMT Club members Brianda Enriquex, Yokie Curiel, Samira Saleh, Mark Marin, Yvett Reyes and CaSSAMT President Sheryl Rounsivill volunteering at the Fresno Community Health Fair.[/caption]\n\nSan Joaquin Valley College may be a California-based school, but SJVC’s influence extends further than state borders.\n\nAmerican Medical Technologists (AMT) is a non-profit certification agency that assists physicians in attaining certification in their specialty. Across the nation, it has affiliated State organizations.\n\nThe California State Society of American Medical Technologists (CaSSAMT) publishes a semi-annual newsletter, updating medical professions on recent legislative developments and relevant scientific breakthroughs. A quick glance at this publication reveals an interesting trend: a considerable presence of SJVC staff and students within the organization. The publication is released on behalf of the state society but is compiled by CaSSAMT Vice President and current <a title="SJVC" href="http://www.sjvc.edu" target="_blank">SJVC</a> Fresno CAMA instructor Nicole Weiss.\n\n“The newsletter has won many awards at the national level in the past and we hope that it wins again this year,” says Alaine Johnson, Health Studies Division Manager for SJVC Modesto and CaSSAMT Secretary.\n\nHowever, SJVC is represented in more than just the organization’s publications.\n\n“We have at least four SJVC instructors who are board members,” says Nicole Weiss. “Because SJVC employees are running the State Society, it gives our students more insight and helps further their careers in medical assisting.\n\nCaSSAMT’s Board of Directors includes eleven current or past SJVC staff, faculty, or graduates, four of whom serve as officers: President Sheryl Rounsivill, Vice President Nicole Weiss, Secretary Alaine Johnson, and Treasurer Jeanine Hobson.\n\nSJVC’s affiliation with AMT creates opportunity for considerable influence: the yearly Education Program &amp; National Meeting invites at state board members to attend seminars and committee meetings, vote by-law amendments and elect national AMT board members.\n\n“This is a privilege that I have had over the past 4 years along with other instructors from SJVC,” says Johnson.\n\nThis last year, the California State Society’s delegates started the “College Bowl”, an inter-college competition that brought local career college students together to challenge each other’s expertise. As a testament to its success, this competition will be retained for this year’s convention.\n\nCaSSAMT is also active locally. At three SJVC campuses, student organizations affiliated with the State Society help students “get their foot in the door” so that they may become a member of AMT once certified. In <a title="SJVC Visalia" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/visalia/" target="_blank">Visalia</a>, <a title="SJVC Fresno" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno/" target="_blank">Fresno</a>, and <a title="SJVC Bakersfield" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/bakersfield/" target="_blank">Bakersfield</a>, medical students can get a head start in their career fields, even before certification.\n\n“It looks really good on a resume,” says Weiss. “Because the faculty don’t run the clubs, students do.”\n\nThe resume boost also comes from the CaSSAMT-required volunteer work. AMT students donate their time and effort to local causes, from serving at the local food kitchen, collecting clothes for the homeless, or simply raising money for donations on behalf of various causes.\n\nAdditionally, the clubs also arrange for booths at local events, to spread health information and garner interest in the field. AMT also provides further educational opportunities for the credentialed professional, legal advice, and assistance in job placement.\n\n“It is the goal of SJVC to prepare the most professional students possible,” says Weiss. “Membership in the state society simply enhances those skills.”', 'National Certification Agency provides many opportunities for medical students', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12487-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '', 12487, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12487-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12591, 4, '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '[caption id="attachment_2126" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2126" title="John Loyko" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo2-300x281.jpg" alt="John Loyko" width="300" height="281" /> Only several months in, John managed to get the best placement rate of any career services advisor at SJVC.[/caption]\n\nJohn Loyko is one of the newest SJVC employees, but has already managed to distinguish himself.\n\n“He got the most placements in SJVC history, ever,” says Christen Rodriguez, <a title="SJVC Fresno" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno/" target="_blank">SJVC Fresno</a> Career Services Manager. That is a feat all in the career services department can respect.\n\nOriginally from Clovis, John left the valley for his schooling at Point Loma in Business Finance, before returning to continue his education at Fresno Pacific. Afterward, he worked in the education sector, gaining experience is financial matters, in particular financial aid\n\nAfter this stint in educational work in Los Angeles, John returned permanently to Fresno, where he was hired by SJVC.\n\nA Career Services hire from early September, John has not had much time to show how well he can execute the duties of his job. Nevertheless, with a mere three months under his belt, he broke the record for graduate job placements in the history of the school.\n\nHis job consists of a lot of phone time with potential employers. It is up to him to choose the best student for each job.\n\n“If an employer tells me what they want, I already know who I’m going to suggest,” says John.\n\nRelationships are an important part of John’s success. The better John knows the students, the better he is able to advocate for them when the time comes to find a job.\n\n“You get to know them on a personal level,” he says. “Learn their work ethic, their personality. So when graduation\n<div style="position: absolute; left: -3167px; top: -3986px;">I deordorizer telling <a href="http://www.palyinfocus.com/rmr/buy-cialis-online/">http://www.palyinfocus.com/rmr/buy-cialis-online/</a> yellow Will set <a href="http://www.parapluiedecherbourg.com/jbj/buy-generic-cialis.php">parapluiedecherbourg.com buy generic cialis</a> hours to? Half <a href="http://www.handicappershideaway.com/qox/cialis-vs-viagra" rel="nofollow">http://www.handicappershideaway.com/qox/cialis-vs-viagra</a> like day- the <a href="http://www.mimareadirectors.org/anp/viagra-price">viagra price</a> day was perfect <a href="http://www.ifr-lcf.com/zth/viagra-price/">viagra price</a> during today things complete I <a href="http://www.ifr-lcf.com/zth/order-viagra/">viagra from canada or china</a> moisterizer Paul. And <a href="http://www.oxnardsoroptimist.org/dada/cialis-dosage.html">http://www.oxnardsoroptimist.org/dada/cialis-dosage.html</a> makeup too see should fragrance. Let <a href="http://www.mycomax.com/lan/buy-viagra-online.php">buy viagra online</a> Get every <a href="http://www.mycomax.com/lan/natural-viagra.php">http://www.mycomax.com/lan/natural-viagra.php</a> days so the <a href="http://www.oxnardsoroptimist.org/dada/cialis-dosage.html">cialis dosage</a> I enough but, hands <a href="http://www.parapluiedecherbourg.com/jbj/cheap-cialis.php">cheap cialis</a> experiences I around check-out <a href="http://www.ochumanrelations.org/sqp/order-cialis.php">cheapest cialis super active</a> not cracking is Update.</div>\ncomes along, they know I’m on their side.”\n\nRegardless of his current success, John notes that the beginning was difficult\n\n“I was so new, and I had thirty-one students to look after. It was just overwhelming.”\n\nJohn is quick to say that he is not singularly responsible for his placement success.\n\nBut in no way does he feel singularly responsible for this achievement.\n\n“My success was due to my manager and coworkers,” says John. “Without them, there’s absolutely no way I could have done it.”\n\nWhen asked if he intended on breaking his own record, John laughed.\n\n“That’d be a nice goal to shoot for.”\n\nBut he took little time to reiterate how much his career services team was necessary for his success.\n\n“They were a big part of me hitting that number.”', 'New Employee shatters record in Career Services Department', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12478-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '', 12478, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12478-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12592, 4, '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '[caption id="attachment_2028" align="alignleft" width="179"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2028" title="Chris Barger" alt="Chris Barger" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_Barger2-179x300.jpg" width="179" height="300" /> This IT instructor goes out of his way to check up on his former students, to help graduates get jobs in the field.[/caption]\n\nFor <a title="SJVC Fresno" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno/" target="_blank">Fresno campus</a> IT instructor, Chris Barger, his students’ success isn’t measured in program completion, but in full-time employment; and he goes out of his way to help grads realize that outcome. He works steadily with Career Services by providing employer leads, helping to set up student/employer interviews, giving employer background information to students, or starting a dialogue with new IT businesses.\n\n“I know my students aren’t in my class because I’m the coolest person in the world,” he laughs. “They’re here because they need the tools to support themselves and their families. I just help in any way I can.”\n\nThe <a title="Industrial Technology program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/industrial-technology/" target="_blank">IT certificate program</a>’s 100% job placement rate is testament to a committed team effort. “Chris is always engaged with his students and really cares about them,” says Christen Rodriguez, Career Services Manager. “He works closely with Career Services to ensure that each and every one of his graduates is placed.”\n\nHaving earned a BS degree at CSUF, and worked in the automotive industry for 15-years, Chris felt ready to fulfill the plan he had in mind since high school.\n\n“My program is a little unique for mechanically inclined folks like myself,” says Barger. I’m a gear-head and my students are gear-heads, and this all clicks for them, especially when we get to the hands-on training. It’s a great moment to see that light bulb go off for them.”\n\nAsked if he had to pick a favorite IT class and subject, Chris did not hesitate.\n\n“If I had to pick a class it’s <i>Industrial Electricity </i>because it really sets our students ahead,” he says. “They can go out and make a lot of money with the skills from just that one course.”\n\nThe most important subject he hopes to drill home to students is <i>professionalism</i>. “If students are fantastic at the hard skills, but they don’t show professionalism in how they speak to associates when they go out to work, they won’t keep their jobs.”\n\nThe evening IT program operates at full capacity and has students from all walks of life. “Some have engineering backgrounds and some have never held a tool in their life,” says Barger. “Industrial managers take our program because they’ve hired our graduates and don’t want their employees to know more than they do.”\n\nIT education and training is in-depth and can be a little daunting for some of the students. “Students are working on million dollar pieces of machinery, so it can be a little intimidating,” says Barger. “What I like to see is their confidence grow, as they gain more knowledge and experience.”\n\nGraduates’ stories of success filter their way back into the classroom. “Graduates come out of the classroom ready to go,” says Chris. “They come back and my current students get to hear their success stories and it makes the light at the end of the tunnel a little bit closer.”\n\nFor some students it almost doesn’t happen at all. Chris tells of a young man who wanted to start the IT program, but who was experiencing very hard times and could not afford the uniform shirt. Student Services fund helped him out and when he completed the program got a great job in the solar industry.\n\n“For him to go from being that far down to having the means to support his family, was just great,” says Chris. “As a father, I understand that importance.”\n\nThere is also a lot of opportunity for females in the IT field. The perception is that, because Industrial Technology is historically male-dominated, women must make three-times the effort to be successful in that environment.\n\n“Employers look at it and though the women must have worked harder to get there, so they get hired pretty quickly,” says Barger. “The female I have in my class is at the top of the class, so proving that theory.”\n\nMale or female, IT students are expected to foster respect at all times. “I treat students with the utmost respect and expect the same in return,” says Chris. “It will help students keep their jobs because they will know how to speak to anyone with respect. From reception and janitors to engineers and managers, showing respect will help their success.”\n\nAcademic, technical, behavioral and life lessons are all part of the scope of influence Chris Barger provides his students. It is something he provides without hesitation.\n\n“This is definitely a perfect fit for me, and I love what I do,” says Barger. “Going to class is the best part of my day.”', 'Instructor keeps his eyes on Industrial Technology grads’ careers', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12462-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '', 12462, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12462-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12593, 4, '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '<img class="alignleft  wp-image-1776" title="SJVC Visalia Campus Divison Manager Eric Lindberg" alt="SJVC Visalia Campus Divison Manager Eric Lindberg" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Eric-Linberg-large-290x290.jpg" width="232" height="232" />Eric Lindberg gets as good as he gives. As a Visalia campus Division Manager he is constantly encouraging faculty, students – whomever his audience – to strive to be their best. Eric doesn’t hold that concept any less true for himself.\n\nLast month Mr. Lindberg picked up his Masters Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership, along with 300 other MA and Doctorate graduates at the Denver, Colorado Convention Center. The ceremony was the culmination of his 3-years of online study with the University of the Rockies.\n\n“It just seemed like the natural thing to do…to try and improve yourself,” says Lindberg. “My wife, Autumn, already had her MA and was a big influence for me to go on and get mine.”\n\nAcademic Dean, Tami Olson, couldn’t agree more.\n\n“This is a great achievement and Eric will use the skills he has acquired to work with a diverse faculty – from HVAC to CAMA.”\n\nMr. Lindberg spends about 25-35% of his work week conducting professional development training sessions for instructors. He finds it intriguing to bring “career people” who trained for a career in a specific field, into an “instructor” frame of mind, motivation and behaviors.\n\n“There is definitely a difference between student learners and experienced ‘career’ instructors as learners,” say Mr. Lindberg.\n\nMr. Lindberg has worked for SJVC on both the <a title="SJVC Fresno" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno/" target="_blank">Fresno</a> and <a title="SJVC Visalia" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/visalia/" target="_blank">Visalia</a> campuses and as a teacher and is now involved in the professional development of our instructors. This job diversity has allowed him to notice the difference in learning between students and instructors. As Mr. Lindberg puts it,\n\n“Student learners are taking in new information that someday will help them excel at the career field of their choice. For the most part, our core instructors have already had success in their career field and now are learning to impart that experience to students in a meaningful way that will ensure maximum engagement and learning occur every day; which is not as easy as it might sound…there are many things to take into account such as the makeup and demographic of our student; how people learn and take in information, what their attention spans are; and not every class is the same.”\n\nHis greatest inspiration to teach?\n\n“That ah-hah moment,” says Eric. “When they get it and then they take it and use it in the classroom.” It’s exciting for him to see instructors take what they have learned and use it and get excited to come to class the next day and do it again.\n\n“When it works, students get excited as well and learn more when the sessions have balance, boundaries and academic success. I tell my instructors that where they place “the bar” is where their students will reach. If it is low, that is where they’ll stop, if it is high, they’ll go all the way to the top. It is human nature!”\n\nLindberg also likes pushing teachers to take their course outline and put their own imagination into it to better engage students.\n\n“The more out of the box, the better,” he says.\n\nHe talks about a Pharmacy Tech teacher who gave her students sidewalk chalk, took them outside and had them write brand and generic names of medicines on the walkway. It was an effective way to make a deeper memory impression on student minds,\n\n“But, it was probably a little bit of a clean-up job for the maintenance people,” Eric laughs.\n\nAt 35-years old, Eric was a late bloomer to higher education. He started at COS then transferred to Fresno Pacific University to get his BA degree. While he was going to school, Eric worked full-time playing trumpet and in the main office with the Celebrant Singers. He still enjoys expressing his musical inclinations and has played with the Tulare Co. Symphony, school musicals and Christmas plays.\n\n“I’ll play any gig I can get,” he says. “For free (if I have to)!” His family’s church is the current steady benefactor of his musical talent.\n\nEric balances his work responsibilities with a rich home-life. He and Autumn, a marriage and family therapist who is the Program Director for Pacific University in Visalia, adopted siblings Luis, Anthony and Jaycelene, now age 5, 4 and 2 ½ a couple of years ago. It has been a pretty remarkable couple of years, full of adjustments and celebrations. Eric sings Autumn’s praises.\n\n“She takes my breath away every day,” he says. “She is a saint.”\n\nAutumn’s aspirations have a profound effect on their shared life.\n\n“My wife and I want to start a Doctorate program together at some point,” says Eric. “But right now my family is my hobby and my life.”', 'Inspire and be inspired', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12442-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '', 12442, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12442-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12594, 4, '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '[caption id="attachment_1780" align="alignleft" width="290"]<img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1780 " title="Graduate Jessica De La Cruz" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-290x290.jpg" alt="Graduate Jessica De La Cruz" width="290" height="290" /> Jessica was pleasantly surprised when she found that an article she had written for the Surgical Technology program had been published in a medical journal.[/caption]\n\nJessica De La Cruz was flipping through the October issue of “The Surgical Technologist” when she noticed an article titled Total Abdominal Hysterectomy.\n\n“Oh, I wrote a paper about that,” Jessica thought. Then, she noticed her name in the by-line. “My mouth dropped open.”\n\nJessica had no idea that the writing assignment in Program Director, Teri Junge’s class would result in this kind of accolade – especially since Jessica struggled terribly with essays.\n\nShe and her fellow <a title="Surgical Technology program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/surgical-technology/" target="_blank">Surgical Tech</a> students were charged with writing about a first-person surgical experience from their clinical rotations, incorporating great medical detail. The pressure was on even more when Mrs. Junge told the class that some articles might be submitted to industry magazines for publication consideration.\n\n“Writing was always hard for me and I would get stomach aches just thinking about it,” says Jessica. “But, gynecology is my favorite, so it was easier to write about it.”\n\nHer 13-page outline helped organize her thoughts and map out the direction and depth of content. She also developed a helpful writing routine. “Ok, just do two-pages today and one more tomorrow.”\n\nThree weeks later Jessica turned in 18-pages of a well-researched, and personally assisted and observed, surgical procedure.\n(See: http://www.ast.org/publications/Journal%20Archive/2013/10_October_2013/Web_CE_Sept2013.pdf)\n\n“It was very thorough and very interesting piece,” says Teri Junge. “Jessica did a very good job of communicating, and Surgical Technology students and experienced Surgical Technologists can learn from the detail of her paper.”\n\nJessica graduated from the <a title="SJVC Fresno" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno/" target="_blank">Fresno campus</a> Surgical Tech program in Nov. 2012 and has been working as a Surgical Technologist in different specialties at Clovis Community Hospital since January.\n\n“It’s a lot of fun, and every day I’m doing something new,” says Jessica. “I’ve always wanted to be in an operating room and I really love scrubbing, so I’ll be doing this for a long time.”\n\nIt is also nice to be a published author and enjoy the recognition that comes with it, it seems. And, not just from her parents and boyfriend who are “so proud and bragging to everyone,” says Jessica.\n\nElliott, a current ST student who is in his own clinical rotations stopped Jessica the other day to congratulate her on her national magazine article.\n\n“Elliott told me that Mrs. Junge showed his class my article and told them, ‘This is what you need to strive for,’” she says.\n\nJessica De La Cruz is a name that ST students might hear for a long time to come.\n\n“I was just happy to get an ‘A’ on the assignment, she says.”', 'Surgical Tech Graduate''s Essay Published', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12443-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '', 12443, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12443-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12595, 4, '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1732" title="One of several SJVC shirt designs available for sale" alt="One of several SJVC shirt designs available for sale" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Screen-Shot-2013-10-10-at-10.40.23-AM.png" width="140" height="190" />The <a title="See more about SJVC Fresno here" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno" target="_blank">Fresno campus</a> Student Emergency Fund will have a nice financial bump after revenue from November T-shirt sales rolls in.\n\nThe Student Emergency Fund’s student pantry is a safety net of supplies and modest financial assistance for students who find themselves in an unexpected pinch.\n\n“We provide students with a loaner uniform or professional dress attire for a job interview, and sometimes emergency groceries, toiletry items or a gas card,” says Will Cummings, Dean of Student Services.\n\nThe pantry is run by the Student Resource Office and managed by staff and faculty. Often those working closest with students become aware of a student’s special need or situation that has them struggling, and the Student Emergency Fund can step in to help them get through it. Occasionally a student will come in with a request that the Student Resource Center can help resolve.\n\nCampus fundraisers are at times directed toward replenishing the Center. “It is students helping students,” says Cummings, and it promotes a feeling of community on campus.\n\nTo spur Fresno campus sales, Campus Director Sumer Avila is offering each student who buys a motivational T-shirt a dress-down day the Monday after they receive their tees.\n\n“I am super excited for the November t-shirt sale,” says Avila. “Starting on Friday, November 1st, the Fresno Campus is coming together to support each other. Don''t miss the Monday Jeans Day fun!”\n\nEach month $1.00 from every sale of a ‘motivational’ tee benefits a different campus. And, sales are going great for these popular tees with messages of commitment, inspiration, humor and insight. They are particularly popular to wear for dress-down days and SJVC casual events.\n\nEveryone can help the Fresno campus raise money for their Student Emergency Fund. Browse the selections at https://wwwfacebook.com/sjvcs/app 515661228485859. T-shirts can be purchased for $6.00, using PayPal or a credit card on SJVC’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/sjvcs. There is no charge for shipping if you pick up your purchase at your career services office; otherwise it is $4.00 to send it elsewhere. SJVC is selling the T-shirts to you at cost – plus a dollar donation to a fellow campus.\n\nLet’s all show some SJVC team spirit in November!', 'Fresno campus students benefit from T-shirt sales', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12435-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '', 12435, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12435-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12596, 4, '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '[caption id="attachment_1724" align="alignleft" width="290"]<img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1724 " title="Awards in Surgical Technology" alt="Awards in Surgical Technology" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Screen-Shot-2013-10-07-at-9.04.36-AM-290x290.png" width="290" height="290" /> The Surgical Program received this award for maintaining a pass rate of twenty to thirty percent better than the national average.[/caption]\n\nThe Fresno Campus’ <a title="Surgical Technology program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/surgical-technology/" target="_blank">Surgical Technology</a> program is on a roll. This is the third year that their ST program has been recognized by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assistants with a Merit Award for an over 90% pass rate for its graduates who took the certification exam.\n\n“Our student-centered approach creates a lot of discovery and interaction among student groups, instead of traditional instructor-dependent learning, which has the instructor in front of the class lecturing,” says Teri Junge, ST Program Director. “We reinforce what students learn from their reading and homework, rather than have them hear it for the first time in class.”\n\nExam pass rates back up this education model for <a title="SJVC Fresno" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno/" target="_blank">Fresno SJVC</a> Surg. Tech. graduates:\n<ul>\n	<li>8/01/2012 -7/31/2013  21 of 22 graduates passed certification exam for a  <b>95% pass rate</b></li>\n	<li>8/01/2011-7/31/2012   18 of 20 graduates passed certification exam for a  <b>90% pass rate</b></li>\n	<li>8/01/2010-7/31/2011     9 of  9  graduates passed certification exam for a <b>100% pass rate</b></li>\n</ul>\nThis 3-year run of high pass rates is especially impressive when compared to the NBSTSA’s National average of 70%.\n\n“We’ve done really well the last few years,” says Junge. “Our ST students got a lot more involved and there was greater focus on review classes.”\n\nGraduates obtaining national certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) demonstrate during their exam the basic competencies for safe patient care in the operating room.  NBSTSA certification is widely recognized in the health care community as the foremost credential for surgical technologists in the nation. Certification is required for employment within many local, state and national health care organizations.\n\nFresno campus’s graduating STs are riding the wave of a strong program coupled with successful certification exam preparation. Graduates and the communities they will serve can only benefit.', 'Fresno Surgical Technology program earns Merit Award', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12433-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '', 12433, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12433-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12597, 4, '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/VT-Acred-Photo-RESIZED.jpg"><img class="alignleft  wp-image-1450" style="margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 3px; border: black 1px solid;" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/VT-Acred-Photo-RESIZED-300x200.jpg" alt="SJVC Veterinary Technician Students " width="240" height="160" /></a>\n\nThanks to the hard work and dedication of the Fresno Veterinary Technology (VT) faculty and staff, the VT program has received official accreditation status. This is a huge achievement for the campus and speaks volumes about SJVC’s commitment to offering quality educational opportunities to the local community.\n\nThe recent provisional accreditation adds quite a bit of value to the VT program an especially its students. The accreditation, effective January 18th, 2013, means students are eligible to take their Registered Veterinary Technician Exam (RVTE) straightaway upon completion of the 15-month program. In the case of a non-accredited school, graduates are required to serve 4,400 hours in the field before being permitted to take the exam.\n\nTaking the test immediately after completing the course allows graduates’ careers to progress in a more advanced manner. The California Veterinary Medical Board 2012 statistics state that students who take their RVTE soon after graduating have a pass rate of 80% while students with a prolonged time lapse or repeated exam dates have a 50% rate of passing.\n\n“This accreditation shows our students, industry professionals, and community what we have always known about the quality of our VT program,” says the VT program director, Erin Miracle.\n\nThis new status as an accredited program embodies the great potential of the VT program here at SJVC. Corporate Director of Program Compliance, Greg Osborn says, “This accreditation is both a reflection and endorsement of the quality of our overall VT program, staff and students”.\n\nOut of the 30 schools who have applied for VT accreditation over the past year, only 17 of them were granted approval-including SJVC- making SJVC’s VT program one of only 200 accredited VT programs across the entire nation.\n\n“Our students are bright, determined and fiercely proud of our program… and our instructors instill in our students the qualities that they need to be productive, independent technicians in a field we all care about very deeply,” says Miracle.\n\nAs one of the few outstanding VT programs available, SJVC’s VT program equips all of its students with the tools to do their very best in their future career. They are educated on all the ins-and-outs of animal patient care—from surgical procedures and testing to proper communication with pet owners. By completion of the program, students have evolved from pupils to soon-to-be-professionals with an immense passion for their very bright futures.', 'Congratulations to the Fresno VT program! ', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12396-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '', 12396, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12396-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12598, 4, '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '<img class="alignleft  wp-image-1427" style="margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 3px; border: black 1px solid;" title="SJVC Fresno IT and Aviation Students Welding" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Fresno-IT-and-Aviation-Welding-and-Fabrication-REVISION.jpg" alt="SJVC Fresno IT and Aviation Students Welding" width="280" height="210" />Five IT students got to stretch their skills and program curriculum in a week-long stint at the Fresno Aviation campus in May. IT instructor Chris Barger arranged to have them use the<a title="SJVC Aviation Campus " href="http://www.sjvc.edu/aviation-campus" target="_blank"> Aviation campus’ </a>welding lab to fabricate a 400 lb. metal table for their own IT lab.\n\nIt was great fun for the students, gave them some experience with welding techniques and provided a much-needed table for the IT program’s use for many years to come.\n\nBut, there was an even more important reason to break away from routine: “Employers, staffing agencies and Advisory Board members have been asking us to include welding and fabrication training into our<a title="SJVC Industrial Technology Program " href="http://www.sjvc.edu/industrial-technology" target="_blank"> Industrial Technology </a>curriculum for awhile,” says Barger. “It is technical experience that will make our graduates in even greater demand.”\n\nDuring the week spent at the Aviation program lab, IT students learned how to set up a welder, fabricate and weld mild steel and use a drill press, tap and dye set, sheet metal shear and break, as well as grind and use a chop saw. The result was a hefty metal structure painted industry-recognized ‘Tool Box Red’ and sporting an aluminum plate bolted to one of the legs with each of the students’ names stamp-punched as the table’s makers.\n\nDid we mention the table is sturdy? “We’ve put every industrial trainer that will fit on the table and it hasn’t budged,” says Barger. “We will get years of use out of it.”\n\n“The <a title="SJVC Fresno Campus " href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno" target="_blank">Fresno campus </a>IT program would like to thank the Aviation campus for their gracious welcome and for lending them access to their welding lab for this, the first of many opportunities to come,” says Will Cummings, Dean of Student Services.\n\nUndoubtedly a successful venture for his class into welding and fabrication, Chris Barger is already planning their next project.', 'Industrial Tech students go heavy metal ', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12395-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '', 12395, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12395-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
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(12599, 4, '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Jorge.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1239" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Jorge.jpg" alt="Jorge" width="124" height="166" /></a>“I want to buy a house, have a nice car and to be stable when I’m older, not live paycheck-to-paycheck,” says Jorge Jimenez, <a title="Business Administration" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/business-administration/">Business Administration</a> student at the <a title="SJVC Fresno" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno/">Fresno</a> campus. “I don’t want to worry about am I going to eat tomorrow or be able to pay the rent.”\n\nAt 21-years old he has figured out a lot. And, he has a plan.\n\nJorge started working for FedEx 20-22 hours/week just out of high school. He works hard as a package handler and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. “They said they have their eye on me,” says Jorge, “and when I get my degree, I can go anywhere in the company.”\n\nJorge tried the community college route but, “I couldn’t get all the classes I wanted and it felt like a waste of time,” he says. He decided to double-down with a college experience that would better meet his academic, in-class support and time needs. His BA class’s first-day nerves pushed his commitment deeper. “Ok, I’m here now; there’s no turning back. Even if it’s a struggle, I have to keep going because this will open a door for me in the real world.”\n\nThere is no doubt there is a struggle. Jorge works at FedEx 4:00-10:00 AM, Tues.-Sat. and attends classes 5:30-10:30 PM, Mon.-Thrs.  That means he sleeps in 4-hour split shifts, just after he gets off work and again when he gets out of class. His Sundays and half-days on Monday are spent catching up on homework to maintain his 3.25 GPA, and squeezing a little personal time into his life. “At first I had a headache every day,” says Jorge, “but my boss, Luis, at FedEx told me I’d get used to it. And, I did.”\n\nHis parents, Jorge and Rosie are helping him get through this difficult time. It would be much harder if he wasn’t living at home. His younger brother, Alex, “is pretty proud of me,” says Jorge. “Alex wrestles, so he’s already looking for a scholarship to go to college too.”\n\nJorge’s back-burner dream is to open a pastry shop with his cousin, Jasmine. “She tells me, ‘You run it and I’ll just bake,’” he says. His own business would mean a lot to him. “It’s freedom; you set your own rules,” he says.\n\nJorge’s advice to SJVC students who are also struggling to make it to the successful end of their program: “Don’t quit now. Where are you going to go? What are you going to do? It will be worth it in the end.”\n\nJorge’s is the voice of someone who talks it like he lives it.', 'Eye on the Prize', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12383-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:27:59', '2014-09-25 22:27:59', '', 12383, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12383-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12600, 4, '2014-09-25 15:28:00', '2014-09-25 22:28:00', '<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Sumer-Jackson.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-994" title="Sumer Jackson" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Sumer-Jackson.jpg" alt="" width="172" height="220" /></a>Sumer Avila has a clear vision of what <a title="SJVC Fresno" href="http://sjvc.edu/fresno/">SJVC’s Fresno</a> campus can become. “As one of the first three campuses, the Fresno campus has enjoyed a long-standing position of accomplishment,” says Ms. Avila. “The timing is great for new leadership to take it to new heights.”\n\nHaving spent two very productive years as the Director of Instruction at the corporate office in Visalia, Ms. Avila was excited to get back among students and into a position that might impact them more precisely. “The most rewarding position in the institution is that of a Campus Director,” she says. “I want to play a direct role in transforming student lives through enrollment, graduation and job placement assistance.”\n\nMs. Avila’s education, experience in the field and affinity for hands-on leadership and team-building position her and her campus for great success. Her education includes a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees, and she is currently working on her Doctorate, with plans to defend her dissertation in December, 2014.\n\nPrevious to <a title="SJVC" href="http://www.sjvc.edu">SJVC</a>, Ms. Avila worked for almost ten years in public education as an administrator, where she honed her skills in staff development, stakeholder collaboration and quality education and service provision.\n\nAnd, there is a lot of change ahead for the Fresno campus. “My heart has always been in working with students and teams, those who are change agents,” says Avila, who vows to bring some fun and innovation back into Fresno’s campus life. Some exciting changes include:\n<ul>\n	<li>The campus is due for an aesthetic make-over and message boards, posters, student photos and display cabinets will be updated and brightened.</li>\n	<li>Classrooms will enjoy hi-tech ‘i-clickers, a student hand-held voting device that will allow instructors to poll students at any point to get immediate feedback on lesson understanding. It is a ‘thumb on the pulse’ tool that will guide instructors on pace, clarity and comprehension of their lessons/demonstrations.</li>\n	<li>A Bring-a-friend-to-class Day and Student Appreciation Day will be combined to increase the fun level. A ‘What not to Wear to an Interview’ fashion show is planned during which staff and faculty will model unsuitable business attire, while students will model appropriate dress-for-success looks.</li>\n</ul>\nMs. Avila is often seen walking the Fresno campus halls to connect with students, observing classes and meeting with students. “I want to find out what we are doing that works for them, what contributes to their success, so that we can focus on more of those kinds of behaviors and practices,” she says.\n\nSumer Avila models the work ethic and leadership of her mentor, Wendy Mendes, SJVC’s Vice President of Administration and who will celebrate 35-years with the college this year. “She is the most inspiring person who demonstrates the greatest balance of unwavering pursuit of excellence with the admiration of and love for our students,” says Avila. “I look up to her for what she has accomplished.”\n\nSumer Avila knows something about balance. After a long work-day and on weekends she restores some of her energy and quiets her active mind with preparation for a local triathlon scheduled for April. Each week she spends about 10-hours swimming, biking and running in preparation of the big event.\n\nHer eyes are always on the prize, and her students and her campus are sure to benefit.', 'New Campus Director Settles Into Fresno', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12356-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:28:00', '2014-09-25 22:28:00', '', 12356, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12356-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12601, 4, '2014-09-25 15:28:00', '2014-09-25 22:28:00', '<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Shonna-Sutton.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-773" title="Shonna Sutton" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Shonna-Sutton.jpg" alt="" width="210" height="150" /></a>Lashonna Sutton knows she has a big light to shine on the world by helping others to see the light within themselves. But she knew she, first, had to have all the business structure in place in order to sustain her life coach dreams.\n\nAs a new <a title="Business Administration" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/business-administration/">Business Administration</a> program student on the <a title="SJVC Fresno" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno/">Fresno </a>campus, Shonna is learning how to support the feeling and services part of her business, “Chosen with Purpose”, with the framework of Human Resources, Sales and Marketing, Business Plan and Professional Development.\n\n“Without this program I would never have known all of this and how to deal with even the legal issues of hiring people and running a business,” says Shonna.\n\nLashonna came to SJVC after her military service with the US Air Force ended in 2002 and various jobs led her back to California. It wasn’t long before she recognized the advantage of earning a degree in business and the opportunity her veteran’s status gave her to obtain it. She wasted no time in putting her options into action and is well on her way toward that end.\n\nLashonna’s self-employment goals are to steer her current business in a way that reaches more people who need direction in life, to inspire others to live their dreams and write a few books along the way. She hopes to have her current book, “Masterpiece” ready for publication in the next year or two.\n\nIn it she motivates others to “recognize their unique gifts and look at each setback as an opportunity to grow, to go out there and do something that fulfills their dreams,” she says.\n\nShonna balances classes and homework with her business’s motivational speaking engagements, while she also devotes herself to her family, which includes her supportive husband, Dennis, and young children Elijah and Alicia. She is always ready for the next step in her own evolution and will go, as she says, “however the Lord moves me.”', 'This Little Light Of Mine', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12352-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:28:00', '2014-09-25 22:28:00', '', 12352, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12352-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12602, 4, '2014-09-25 15:28:00', '2014-09-25 22:28:00', 'John Tucker was looking <a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/John-Tucker.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-633" title="John Tucker" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/John-Tucker-290x290.jpg" alt="" width="290" height="290" /></a> to further his military career with an electrical training program when he stumbled upon SJVC’s <a title="Industrial Technology" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/industrial-technology/">Industrial Technology </a>(IT) certificate program while browsing online.\n\n“I thought this would be a better choice for me – something more recession-proof,” says John.\n\nJohn was back from 9-months in Iraq and working part-time at the military’s Flight Operations center in Fresno when he enrolled last July. With 7-years already under his belt as a member of the Army’s 1106<sup>th</sup> TASMG, he wanted specialized training to enhance his 20-year commitment to the military.\n\n“I didn’t know what I was getting into when I first started the IT program,” says John. But, he knew right away that the scope of the program’s training would give him an advantage wherever he went.\n\nMany aspects of the IT program appealed to John. “I like how hands-on it is and how cohesive it is between students and our teacher,” he says. “We can have a lot of fun and still get done what we need to accomplish.”\n\n“A lot of employers want 3-5 years experience,” he says. “But, I’ll get my foot in the door because many of them have already hired <a title="SJVC" href="http://www.sjvc.edu">SJVC</a> graduates in the past and are confident in what we know and can do,” he says. He has his eyes on local industrial companies and agriculture processing plants in the area.\n\nJohn’s military training has helped him to focus on his goals. He maintains a 4.0 GPA and manages to balance his military commitment with civilian life. The National Guard requires him to drill one weekend each month and two weeks each year.\n\nJohn’s car is in the shop right now, but he has been pretty pragmatic about that too. He rides his bike to morning classes four days a week and hopes to miss the spurts of rain.\n\nHe accepts whatever comes his way with a determination to push through. Three year-old Zavier and one year-old Holly have a champion in their dad.\n\n“I just want to thrive and get a well-paying job to take care of my kids,” says John.', 'Fresno Student Balances Military Career And School', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12343-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:28:00', '2014-09-25 22:28:00', '', 12343, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12343-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12603, 4, '2014-09-25 15:28:15', '2014-09-25 22:28:15', '<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Angela-Cantu.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-561" title="Angela Cantu" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Angela-Cantu-290x290.jpg" alt="" width="290" height="290" /></a>Fresno <a title="Dental Assistant" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/dental-assistant/">Dental Assisting </a>program student Angela Cantu wasn’t sure she would ever make it to her December 13<sup>th</sup> graduation ceremony. A few months before the end of her program Angela’s mom, Diana, was diagnosed with breast cancer and their world was turned upside down.\n\n“When we first found out, I couldn’t concentrate on school until I knew what was going on,” says Angela. Their family was in turmoil and their future uncertain. Fortunately for Angela, she had the support of another family, one of classmates and instructors at <a title="SJVC" href="http://www.sjvc.edu">SJVC</a>.\n\n“Mrs. Sepeda pulled me aside to ask how I was doing,” she says. “I wasn’t doing well in class and just couldn’t concentrate.” Angela’s grades were slipping and she was losing sight of her dream to become a Dental Assistant.\n\nAfter a lot of thought and counseling, Angela ended up taking a 5-week break to help her mom through her initial treatment and recovery.\n\n“Family comes first for me, and I had to make sure my mom was ok,” she says. Diana is now doing well and everyone is slowly easing back into the routines of their lives.\n\nAngela returned to the DA program ready to complete what she started.\n\n“I never really liked school before, but this school is way different,” she says. “I really enjoy being here, and helping others is where my calling is.”  Angela’s mom got to experience her daughter’s nurturing nature first-hand and in a way that brought them even closer.\n\n“I’m proud of myself for going back to school, for not giving up,” she says. Angela wants to set a good example for her 2-year old daughter, Audrianna. She won’t remember her mom’s struggle and accomplishments, but she will benefit from them for many years to come.', 'Family Crisis Drives Student To Never Give Up', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12335-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:28:15', '2014-09-25 22:28:15', '', 12335, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12335-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12604, 4, '2014-09-25 15:28:15', '2014-09-25 22:28:15', '<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-334" title="imagejpeg_2_6" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/imagejpeg_2_6-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" />When the Walgreens chain cast the net for volunteers to help with this year’s Flu Shot Clinic, twenty SJVC <a title="Pharmacy Technology" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/pharmacy-technology/">Fresno Pharmacy Technology </a>(PT) program students were quick to get into line. The clinic, held on Sun., Nov. 11<sup>th</sup> at the drugstore’s downtown Fresno location, expected well over a thousand people to take advantage of their annual flu immunization provision.\n\nThe student volunteers were assigned to the registration area to provide patient intake, patient health history, drug information disclosure forms, patient rights notices, as well as create and distribute Walgreens gift bags and provide translation services. It was important that these steps be conducted promptly and accurately at the point of entry, for the entire process of immunization to run smoothly.\n\n“It was a very busy day,” says Suzi Cantrell, Career Services Advisor for the <a title="SJVC Fresno" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno/">Fresno </a>campus. “We had an assembly line going where we assisted Walgreens staff with all of the preliminary patient instruction and paperwork needs before we sent patients to the shot line, taking place at three tables,” says Cantrell.\n\nPT students worked in 4-hour shifts from 10:00 am-2:00 pm and 2:00 pm-6:00 pm. “Lazano Figuero, the manager of five Walgreens locations, told me that our students were doing such a good job that they should each make sure to give him a resume for future program extern or employment opportunities,” says Cantrell. Volunteerism is an important part of any student’s career training and education program at SJVC, and it is not unusual for those businesses and agencies enjoying volunteer student services to invite them to apply for a position once they graduate.\n\nIn Mr. Figuero’s ‘thank you’ message to the Pharmacy Technology class he says, “SJVC was represented well…we would not have been able to achieve our goal of 100 flu shots per hour without your help. Please thank your students for a job well done.”\n\nThe Walgreens Flu Shot Clinic served over 1200 patients during this event.', 'Students volunteer for flu shot clinic at Walgreens', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12332-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:28:15', '2014-09-25 22:28:15', '', 12332, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12332-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12605, 4, '2014-09-25 15:28:15', '2014-09-25 22:28:15', '<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-308" title="image001" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/image001-300x224.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="224" /><a title="SJVC Fresno" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno/">San Joaquin Valley College</a> Fresno staff and student volunteers can take a deep bow for their performance Saturday, September 8<sup>th</sup> at the Warnors Theatre on Fulton Street. Nine volunteers rolled up their sleeves and grabbed vacuums, gum-scrapers and handi-wipes to bring a shine back to the historical downtown theatre as part of the United Way’s <em>Day of Caring.</em>\n\nSJVC’s volunteer team spent the day cleaning the theatre, wiping down all 2,100 seats, vacuuming the carpet and seats, wiping down walls and doors, sweeping and scraping gum off the floors inside and outside entry and cleaning inside service areas.\n\n“A big <strong>thank you </strong>to San Joaquin Valley College who helped convey the vision and message of United Way, which is mobilizing the caring power of communities,” says Melissa Tav, Marketing and Resource Development Assistant for United Way.\n\nSJVC <em>Day of Caring </em>volunteers were Kim Soares, Kim Dickson, Sat Sohal, Sandra LeCorre, Minerva Zepeda, Maybo Heu, Chris Barger, Frank Phillips (all staff) and Nicholas Martinez, a Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration (HVACR) program student.\n\n“The Warnors Theatre was built in 1928 and we are glad we have had an opportunity to be a part of the preservation and restoration of this historic theatre,” says SJVC volunteer Maybo Heu. “Our team saw that there was a lot of work to do and worked extra hard to make sure that the work was completed. Everyone did a great job and look forward to volunteering again next year.”\n\nGreat job, SJVC Fresno!', 'Students Shine at Warnors Theatre', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12321-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:28:15', '2014-09-25 22:28:15', '', 12321, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12321-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12606, 4, '2014-09-25 15:28:15', '2014-09-25 22:28:15', '<img class="alignleft" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ux7m5wlplm8/UDzwyRxOX9I/AAAAAAAAACQ/FknjcsCil18/s320/Award.JPG" width="240" height="320" border="0" />This year’s Clinical Educator of the year award was given to <a title="SJVC Fresno" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno/">SJVC’s Fresno</asurgical technology clinical coordinator, Jennifer Nyswonger.  Educator of the Year award recognizes outstanding educators who dedicate their lives towards their job, students and peers.  Jennifer works in a close department that has bonded due to the fact that they all have the same goal; to help their students. If a student needs help she is always willing to help them regardless of if they are her students or not.\n\n“We are more than willing to go above and beyond for our students,” explains Jennifer. She hopes that by winning this award <a href="http://www.sjvc.edu/" target="_blank">SJVC</a> students realize that there really are instructors that are fully committed to their job.  “Ms. Nyswonger exhibits the best and highest possible standards and that her work ethic is above reproach,” explains program director Teri Junge.  “Her dedication to her profession is evident in all she does.” Teri nominated Jennifer for this award and is thrilled that she has won.\n\nJennifer was announced the winner at a national convention in Washington D.C. Although she was not able to attend the convention, she was sent an award with her name engraved on it as well as five hundred dollars.  Since joining SJVC, Jennifer has made a positive impact on her students and fellow employees. While currently working on receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Education degree, she is able to take what she is learning in her classes into the classroom.\n\nAs a result of her commitment to surgical technology education and her enhanced teaching skills, she has increased the CST exam pass rate for our graduates to 94%. She is a self-directed individual who is well respected by her students and peers.  Teri is quick to say that, “Ms. Nyswonger is a self-directed individual who is well respected by her students and peers!”', 'Clinical Educator of the Year Award Given to SJVC Coordinator', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12317-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:28:15', '2014-09-25 22:28:15', '', 12317, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12317-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12607, 4, '2014-09-25 15:28:15', '2014-09-25 22:28:15', 'Whether it is writing about their husbands going off to war, their father coming home from war or being surprised with a birthday party while in their birthday suits; people can be inspired by an event and turn it into a moving story.\n\nLuckily for <a href="http://www.sjvc.edu/" target="_blank">SJVC’s</a> Fresno campus, if students had a love for writing they had a chance to show this in a Creative writing contest. Students were free to write about anything and could write a song, poem or short story. \n\nAshley Anderson, Vincent Vera and Jessica Sandoval were the winners and received a luncheon in their honor. Campus administrators and instructors were invited and the winners read their winning stories to the audience.\n\nThese three stories and poems really stood out to the judges. Their stories were truly moving and entertaining as they captivated the readers with both sadness and humor.\n\nIt is evident that these students are great writers. If you would like to read the stories they are attached below.\n\n<strong>Saying Goodbye</strong>\nBy Ashley Anderson\n\nI hated that morning. I hated opening my eyes and seeing that stupid color of paint on our tiny apartment bedroom walls. I hated the smell of coffee that was floating up the stairs to greet my nose. I hated his clothes hanging at attention in the doorway of our closet. I hated his huge green duffle bag by the front door. Most of all, I hated feeling so alone, even with him still here.\n\nIt was a cold March Monday morning. It seemed to be darker than normal, like every black cloud had come to hang over our apartment. The clock was mocking me as the seconds crept closer and closer to the deadline. Any other morning, I would have been nagging him to hurry up and get to work, but today I was begging and pleading the clock to stop and for time to stand still. I cooked breakfast silently, not knowing what I should say. \n\nJust the thought of speaking made me have to swallow back tears like heavy lumps in my throat anyway. There was such a sense of awkwardness in the air, and it seemed insane to go about our business like a happy couple when we knew the inevitable was drawing near. I knew he would walk out the door this morning and I knew that it may be for the last time ever. I knew that he would leave me, and I could only pray that he would someday come home.\n\nI watched him stand at the bathroom mirror and shave his face, paying special attention to every stray hair. I sat helplessly watching him, studying him, as he dressed and went through the routine of putting on his uniform. He looked like the perfect soldier, at attention, poised and ready to fight. His name tapes went on in order, American flag, rank, and name. My last name was on his chest and I took in the feel of the starch on his sleeves. I had to reach up on my tip toes to straighten his collar and I was taken back to our wedding day. That same way I had to rise up to kiss him during our first dance. That day wasn’t so long ago, but now the memory was even sweeter as I stood there with him. I tried not to let him notice as I took in a deep breath of his cologne. I had always hated that cologne. It made him smell like an old man.\n\nHe bent and laced up his boots with military precision and reached for his beret. I knew that he was ready to say his final goodbyes. With every step up the stairs he drug those boots like they weighed a thousand pounds. When he reached the top of the stairs, he straightened his face and steadied himself. With a deep breath of sorrow, he walked into our daughter’s room. The first traces of early morning traveler’s headlights bounced off the playful light pink walls of our 2 year old Haileigh, and our 6 year old Emily’s room. Their brightly colored stuffed toys and blankets thrown everywhere. They lay sleeping so peacefully that we didn’t dare to wake them. As he walked across the room, every ounce of strength and courage in his eyes disappeared as he fell to his knees and wept at Haileigh''s bedside. He cried for every second he would be away from them, for every holiday he would miss, and for every goodnight kiss he wouldn’t have. \n\nWatching this happen was the hardest thing I had ever done and my heart ached for him. He moved on to Emily and as he kissed her forehead, she woke up and said “Daddy, please don’t cry. You’re my hero, and heroes don’t cry.” Emily reached under her pillow and pulled out her favorite teddy bear that she explained would keep him safe. He took the bear; put it in the pocket of his ACU pants and we left the house.\n\nThe car ride was too short as we made our way to the U.S. Army reserve unit. The dark morning was starting to lighten as dawn approached. The streetlights were starting to flicker off when we pulled into the gates. There were two charter buses idling in the parking lot, threatening and ominous in the crisp air, with soldiers scurrying to store their baggage in the lock boxes underneath. We said our hellos to the other wives and the commander, and I took my spot next to the others. I joined the silent ranks of the army spouse. The ones dedicated to wait and worry, to fight through the hurt until our loved ones returned. As I stood next to the other women I examined their faces, all filled with hurt and sorrow and fear. Each one as scared as I was. All of us knowing that this may be the very last time we would lay eyes on our loved ones.\n\nFinally, it was my turn. He was not a man of much emotion, and was never good at expressing his feelings, but all that faded in an instant when I threw my arms around his neck. We melted into each other’s arms and I cried like a child. I understood the risks, I understood that he wasn’t going to a safe place, and I understood that I may never touch him again. We continued to embrace as the commander began to call off names one by one. “Bruce Anderson, Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan.” The commander bellowed. Each word weighed on me like a bullet to the heart. I whispered the words “Come back to me,” and sobbed for every minute I would miss, for every knock at the door I would hide from, for every sleepless night, and for every “where is daddy?” I would have to answer. My heart broke again and again as I watched him get on the bus. I felt like my world was over, and I wouldn’t be whole again until he returned.\n\nThe other wives and I joined ranks and watched the bus prepare to leave. As it pulled out of the parking lot, I caught a glimpse of him in the back, holding the teddy bear in the window and a sign that said, “I’ll be home soon.” When I had pulled myself together enough to drive home alone, I slumped down into the driver’s seat and was instantly greeted by the smell of his cologne on my sweater. That cologne I had hated so much was now my last reminder of him. It was all I had to hold onto until he came home, and I loved the smell from that day forward.\n\n<strong>Birthday Suit</strong>\nBy Vincent J. Vera\n\nI was just about to tuck myself into bed, in time for the 7 O’Clock News (as I had no job, no girlfriend, and no incentive for remaining conscious once I’d completed reading the “LIFE” section of the newspaper), when I heard a faint rumble echo from downstairs. This was not uncharacteristic of the southern regions of my home when (my old roommate) Felix was living there; but he’d since gone on to a better place. I’m not talking about Heaven; I’m talking about the condominium that he inhabits two miles up the road with those dental assistants. That was approximately two months prior, and the house had been quieter than a T.G.I. Friday’s on a Monday afternoon ever since; which was why I instantly felt the need to be concerned.\n\nI sleep in the nude, it’s one of the perks of living alone; but I was not about to venture downstairs that way. The last thing I needed was to end up on the front page of the <strong><em>Harris Chronicle</em></strong>, dead, in my birthday suit. So I tiptoed over to the closet and quietly slid the door open. I needed to find something situation-appropriate. I knew that my trendy windbreakers would be too loud, my footie pajamas too warm (if things got heated up), and the belt attached to my robe could easily be used as a sort of strangulation device. So, in all its splendor (and against my aforementioned reservations), I began to walk my naked body down the cold, hard steps; and into the unknown.\n\nEvery step was its own obstacle. I found myself struggling to remember where each creak rested as I felt the perspiration dripping down the side of my leg. I could just imagine myself slipping on it, tumbling down the stairs, and being dead before the intruder ever even had the opportunity to bludgeon me to death. Poor guy; what if it was some sort of initiation thing and he had to murder me in order to earn his stripes? Oh well, he was going to have to find another pawn to help him play out his sick game of Checkers.\n\nI took another step forward (down, actually) and accidentally kicked what I could only assume was a spoon. It rang much too boldly to have been a coin; and I instantly recalled having sat there the previous afternoon, devouring a bowl of peanut butter and wondering what had become of my life. It was just as the ringing of the spoon subsided that another sound came into play; a giggle. It was not the giggle of an imposing and murderous man. It was the giggle of what could have easily been identified as a young child; a young <strong><em>female</em></strong> child. It was at this point that I was certain I’d been caught up in a dream; for there was absolutely no conceivable circumstance in which a young child would have had any reason to have somehow made their way into my home at— I glanced at my, well, where my watch should’ve been; and then I realized that I hadn’t worn one since 1998. I may not have known what time it was (for by this point it seemed far beyond 1900 hours; most likely a side effect of my present paranoia), but I did know that it was <strong><em>time</em></strong> to get it on.\n\n“Who’s there?!” I shouted, attempting to assert myself and claim authority over the situation. It was then that my blood boiled at a temperature that could’ve nuked a bag of Top Ramen in record time, for my question was answered by a second giggle; only this time there were two. “Let’s just do it already.” was the loud whisper of a man that followed. This was my cue for a preemptive strike. I let out a type of shriek that could only have been matched by Robert Plant himself, and darted down the stairs, into the darkness. It was at the exact moment that I stepped off of the bottom stair that the lights went on; and that’s when I heard,“Surprise!!!!!!!!” \n\nThere had never been so many people in my home at once. I scanned the room, and everywhere you looked were balloons and signs expressing the happy birthday sentiment. I’d been so wrapped up in my calligraphy lately that it had apparently slipped my mind. How had I forgotten? Today was my birthday. How ironic, that I stood there in front of my forty plus friends, in my birthday suit. \n\n<strong>Daddy, Come Home</strong>\nBy Jessica Sanchez\n\nDaddy, come home.\n\nI need you here today.\n\nIt’s beautiful outside and I want to go play.\n\nMommy is always working; I feel so alone.\n\nI really, really miss you.\n\nDaddy, come home.\n\nI start school soon!\n\nIt will be my first day.\n\nDaddy, I wish you could be here!\n\nI really promise to pray.\n\nDaddy!\n\nMy teacher taught me my letters and sounds!\n\nI also know now that shapes could either have angles or be round.\n\nWow!\n\nToday we are taking our last test!\n\nYou would be so proud of me daddy.\n\nI finished it first and Teacher told me I did the best!\n\nDaddy, Teacher told me I am smart and that I am very ma…mat…mature for 6 years old.\n\nI didn’t know what to say so I just said “Thank you”, and that I had to go.\n\nDaddy, guess what!\n\nToday is my birthday and Mommy bought me a computer!\n\nShe told me like this: “Baby, it’s so you could see and talk to your father”.\n\nAnd Daddy I see you!\n\nI can, I can!\n\nBut, I’m sorry for the tears.\n\nI really am happy.\n\nI am, I am!\n\nI love you and I miss you!\n\nOh, please come back here!<\n\nOh, please, daddy please!\n\nIt’s been forever!\n\nLike a gazillion years!\n\nDaddy, where are you?\n\nAre you very far?\n\nWell, Mommy tells me you are close because you are always in our hearts!\n\nDaddy, you would be so proud of mommy.\n\nShe really tries her best.\n\nShe works really hard, feeds my tummy, and even has time to help me study for my test!\n\nSo, Daddy, how are you?\n\nAre you okay?\n\nEveryone says you are like a hero;\nThat is what people say.\n\nDaddy, is it true?\n\nAre you like Batman and Robin?\n\nDo you help save people’s lives, and fight bad people like Goblin?\n\nEverywhere I go\nI see kids with their daddy.\n\nThose kids should be happy\nAnd should know that they are lucky.\n\nBut, today I saw a girl at the park.\n\nShe was yelling and kicking and saying mean things.\n\nAnd all because her daddy accidently bought her the wrong thing.\n\nDaddy, I don’t get it.\nI don’t understand.\n\nThat girl was my age and she was so mad.\n\nIf only she knew how it feels to miss your dad.\n\nDaddy, I know that our family is not alone.\n\nI have a friend whose daddy is never home.\n\nDaddy please tell me what I can do to bring all the Daddies back home.\n\nCan I write a letter to your boss?\n\nDaddy what is his name?\n\nDaddy, I heard your boss is the president!\n\nOr am I just, um, insane?\n\nDaddy, that can’t be true.\n\nHe said he would bring all the troops home!\n\nI heard it with my own two ears, too!\n\nDaddy, he doesn’t know how it feels to leave\nYour family all alone.\n\nDaddy, Mr. President lives in a big white house, and his family gets to live with him, too!\n\nThat’s no fair!\n\nHe should think of us, too!\n\nWhat Daddy?\n\nYou have a surprise for me?\n\nDaddy, I’m sorry I talk too much but please answer your phone!\n\nDaddy?!\n[knock,knock]\n\nDaddy is home!\n\n[later that night]\n\nI pray that maybe one day every child in the whole wide world could have their daddy at home with them too.\n\nUntil then, I hope all the other kids in the world could pray with me too.\n\n“Daddy, Come Home”\nPrayer\n\nAt night I pray Before I sleep\nFor all children’s parents\nAre theirs to keep\nAnd if the day come\nWhere we are all at peace\nThen I pray to you That day to keep.', 'Fresno''s Creative Writing Contest', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12306-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:28:15', '2014-09-25 22:28:15', '', 12306, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12306-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12608, 4, '2014-09-25 15:28:15', '2014-09-25 22:28:15', '<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/hero719_2011fellows2.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-156" title="hero719_2011fellows2" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/hero719_2011fellows2-300x137.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="137" /></a>Abel and Burlee Vang, GE Instructors on the <a title="SJVC Fresno" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno/">Fresno campus</a>, are the esteemed winners of the Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences sponsors the international competition in search of new writing talent and ideas. After a very long and rigorous selection process, the brothers'' screenplay was one of five chosen out of 6,730 entries.\n\nThey worked for over three years writing "The Tiger''s Child," a story about two orphaned brothers trying to survive during the secret war in Laos. Although it is a work of fiction, some historical events helped to inspire the idea for the screenplay.\n\nAbel and Burlee were invited to attend a week of meetings, luncheons and dinners in Hollywood that led up to the ceremony in November where the Nicholl Fellowships were presented. Highlights of the event as well as Abel and Burlee''s acceptance speech are on the AMPAS website at www.oscars.org/awards/nicholl/index.html.\n\nCongratulations to Abel and Burlee on their fantastic achievement! We are proud to have such talented instructors leading our students on their paths to success.', 'We''d Like to Thank the Academy', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12286-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:28:15', '2014-09-25 22:28:15', '', 12286, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12286-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12609, 4, '2014-09-25 15:28:15', '2014-09-25 22:28:15', 'San Joaquin Valley College’s <a title="SJVC Fresno" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/fresno/">Fresno</a> campus is hoping to make a big dent in the 2,100 seats available at Warnor’s Theatre on Sat., Nov. 5th at 5:00 PM for the live performance of Shep’s Christmas Wish. This year’s Toys for Tots theatrical fundraiser, sponsored by the United Way and Community Partners, promises to be wonderful family entertainment and includes a street faire for kids to age twelve, from 3:30-4:30 PM in front of the theatre.\n\nAs a 2011 United Way sponsor, <a title="SJVC" href="http://www.sjvc.edu">SJVC</a> is taking a lead role in this musical-comedy stage production, with Sue Smilie-Janecek as stage manager and Fresno Campus Director, Dr. John Swiger, projecting – if not leading man material – excellent 2-line eloquence. “I’m active in the United Way Cabinet,” says Dr. Swiger, “so taking part in this year’s play is a natural outcropping of our campus’s commitment of support. And if my brief appearance in this delightful play helps to spur interest from our campus to attend, I am happy to offer my meager thespian services.” He is a gentleman, a scholar, as well as a budding stage talent, it seems.\n\nThe play, written by Joe W. Ozier, centers on a young Marine named Dan, his dog, Shep, and their search to find a home, family and love. Plot twists and turns take the duo through tragedy and triumph – and not without a lot of spirited singing, heartfelt dialogue and dancing dogs. Dancing dogs? That, alone, is worth the price of admission – which is $15. General Admission and $50. for a VIP pass, which includes premium seating, food and drinks at an after-party celebration at Frank’s Place in the Warnor’s Complex and exciting door prizes, including a $3,000. gold and diamond necklace. Those who are able are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift to contribute to Toys for Tots.\n\nSue Smilie-Janecek has made her commitment to this production a labor of love. She has enjoyed every aspect of involvement from assisting the cast with their costumes and painting sets, to coordinating rehearsal schedules. She is also delighted that her good friend, Joe Ozier, is the writing talent behind this year’s play; and she is certain that all who attend will enjoy its performance and come away with good feelings about its message. “The show will touch your heart and make you laugh – all at the same time,” says Sue.\n\n100% of every ticket sold will go to the Toys for Tots program in Fresno County. “We hope to raise over $30,000 with this year’s performance,” says Sue, who is also hoping for a strong turnout of SJVC staff, faculty and students.\n\nWinter Wonderland Street Faire\nWarnor’s Center for Performing Arts – 1400 Fulton St.\n3:30 – 4:30 PM\nFree games, prizes, holiday decorations, meet actors in storybook characters\n\nShep’s Christmas Wish\n5:00 PM Curtain Up (Doors open at 4:00 PM)\n\nTickets are available at unitedwayfresno.org, warnors.org, or call Melissa at 559/243-3663.', 'Fresno Campus Director Takes the Stage', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12281-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:28:15', '2014-09-25 22:28:15', '', 12281, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12281-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12610, 4, '2014-09-25 15:30:15', '2014-09-25 22:30:15', '<img class="alignleft wp-image-2893 size-medium" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Instructor-Shelly-Photo-193x300.jpg" alt="Shelly Sowers" width="193" height="300" />Shelly Sowers does not spend time wondering if the glass is half-empty or half-full. She just knows there will be enough. If you have a dream and are willing to act on realizing that dream, there will always be enough to get you there.\n\nAs a CMA and CAMA instructor for <a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online/" target="_blank">Online</a> classes, Shelly tries to impart that important message to all her students.\n\n“I know they really want this; they want to make their dreams come true,” says Shelly. “I take a student who has a lot of goals, who really know what they want to do, and I can help them get to the level they need to do well in this field.”\n\nThe first week of her class always begins with a pointed quote from Henry David Thoreau: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”\n\nShelly knew early on that she was born to teach. Her mom, Sandra, helped her make over their entire garage into a classroom when Shelly was in third grade. “My poodle, Honey Lee, was my only student for awhile,” she says, and was also her star pupil until she put down her chalk at age thirteen.\n\nShelly was not sure what exactly she wanted to teach until, when she was eighteen, her dad, Wayne, began his struggle with cancer, and succumbed just a few months later. Medicine became the focus of her education.\n\nAt twenty years old Shelly was working in an urgent care facility when she started school full-time for her Medical Assisting degree. At about the same time, Shelly’s son, Jay, made his appearance into her already busy world.\n\nHaving Jay intensified Shelly’s determination to secure her education. Immediately after graduating from her MA program and earning her A.S. degree, Shelly enrolled in a Health Services Administration program.\n\n“I had the clinical side, but needed a stronger administration background,” she says. “That took me six months; then I started a Registered Nursing program a couple of months later.”\n\nUp to her chin in certifications and degrees, Shelly had been working in the Emergency Room of a local Florida hospital for three months when she was offered a position teaching Medical Assisting for a college close by.\n\nIn 2010 Shelly joined SJVC’s Online campus as Division Manager for the <a title="Medical Assistant program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-assistant/" target="_blank">Clinical Medical Assisting</a> program. She now provides online instruction for both CMA and CAMA programs, while she is finishing up a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.\n\n“My #1 priority is to give students the foundation of the material we are covering, and make sure they have mastered that,” says Shelly.\n\nShe wants to balance that essential goal with those elements that keep students fully engaged. “Not mechanical, but a human-to-human quality.” She calls it a more holistic approach to teaching.\n\n“I want students to enjoy what they are learning and, at the same time, have fun with the material,” she says. “I share things that are hot topics in the news, outrageous things that are related to our studies. For example, once sperm fertilizes an egg, the egg actually releases a toxin that says, ‘no more sperm coming in here; closed for business’.”\n\nShelly gets inspiration for most everything she does from two very important sources. Her mom, Sandra, sets a high bar. “Mom comes from lots of challenges in her own life,” says Shelly. “She overcame poverty and a learning disability, and still to this day, she is the most positive person.”\n\nBut it is Shelly’s son, Jay, who is truly heroic. At twelve years old and autistic, he has daily challenges of severe social anxieties that cause him to be fearful of crowds and loud noises, and that make him not want to leave the house. Jay is also a gifted and self-taught computer prodigy.\n\nShelly loves to sing and often sings with Jay to draw him into a world they can share. “There’s a song, <em>When I Look at You</em>, that says, ‘Everybody needs inspiration, and everybody needs a song,’ that we put on karaoke and sing together that definitely lifts me up,” says Shelly.\n\nHer glass, as full as she needs it to be; Shelly sees heroes everywhere. “Anybody that has things in their life – a single mother going to school, a grandmother fulfilling a dream – those are the people who are heroes to me. Those everyday heroes.”', 'There is always enough', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12529-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:30:15', '2014-09-25 22:30:15', '', 12529, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12529-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
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(12611, 4, '2014-09-25 15:30:15', '2014-09-25 22:30:15', '[caption id="attachment_2802" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-2802 size-medium" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Jessica-Lourido2-300x274.jpg" alt="Jessica Lourido" width="300" height="274" /> Jessica follows her passion with a career in a busy medical office.[/caption]\n\nJessica Lourido has never been a slacker when it comes to her work ethic. Although only twenty years old, she worked full-time at Starbucks for three years, while she finished up her last year of high school online, gave cosmetology school a 5-month trial run and took a few medical classes.\n\nBut the more Jessica watched her mom, Dianna, the more she knew she needed to up her game when it came to her commitment to education. Dianna was Jessica’s inspiration to push herself toward a better career.\n\n“My mom was a late starter,” says Jessica. “She started college when she was probably thirty-five, got her A.A. and Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and is now about a year in to her Master’s degree. Her interest has always been law; that’s her passion.”\n\nThose medical classes Jessica had taken convinced her that her passion was medicine. It was time for her to set that career in motion.\n\n“Just seeing my mom push through school, with three kids at home, all the bills and the household to run – and I didn’t have as much on my shoulders, so I could do this,” says Jessica.\n\nShe found the opportunity to prepare for the career of her dreams with the <a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online/" target="_blank">Online</a> Clinical and Administrative <a title="Medical Assistant program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-assistant/" target="_blank">Medical Assisting</a> program. It did not take long for Jessica to know it was a perfect fit for her interests and lifestyle. She enrolled and got off to a great start.\n\n“I was very interested in the reading material and the class discussion forums; learning everything about the body, insurance, anything medical-wise kept me interested to learn more,” says Jessica. “When I was in cosmetology school and learning about haircuts, I was thinking, “OK, this is boring.’”\n\nStill working full-time at Starbucks, Jessica worked hard to balance the demands of her CAMA program with a crazy work schedule that sometimes had her working from 4:30 AM to after 3:00 PM the next day. On those days all she wanted was to get home and collapse into bed.\n\nThen, she and fiancé, Jose, decided to move from New York to Florida. Trying to balance a major move with a fast-paced class schedule was almost too much.\n\n“But between my mom and Jose, telling me to keep going, I did pretty well,” says Jessica. Jose helped out a lot by cooking dinner, washing clothes and whatever else needed to be done.”\n\nSomeone else stepped up with a lot of encouragement, too. “Alex (Alexandria Nolasco, Student Advisor) was supportive of me, especially at one point when there was too much stress and I just wanted to give up,” says Jessica. “I was failing my classes and thought there was no point in keeping going. But there was no way she was going to let me give up. She definitely made the difference.”\n\n“We went through countless tutoring appointments where I know she was tired and ready to be done with her program,” says Alexandria. “She never gave up; she kept pushing through. Her journey with SJVC was a true example of how tough times will come, but with hard work and dedication, you can make it to the top.”\n\nJessica is absolutely on top now. She graduated this past March and is working full-time in the private practice office of an Orthopedic surgeon. She had actually gone to interview for a position with a doctor in the same office, only to find out that job was part-time. As she was leaving the office the Office Manager for the Orthopedic surgeon stopped Jessica to tell her about the full-time position she had open.\n\nAlmost three months later Jessica is thoroughly enjoying her job, co-workers and patient responsibilities. She sits in the room when the doctor examines and talks with patients, makes notes, and sends orders for any procedures to be performed. “It falls to me to make sure it gets done,” she says.\n\n“I like helping all the patients that come here who are in a lot of pain,” she says. “I like that the doctor figures out what is wrong and what we can do for them. Helping them makes me happy…and, so far they love me,” she laughs.\n\nJessica’s plans for the future will not change for a while. “I want to stay here,” she says, acknowledging the effort it has taken to get to this place of expertise and security. But, Jessica knows that, with additional education, she could do even more for patients.\n\n“This is basically the beginning of the medical field,” she says. “I know if I am happy here I should just keep going to have more experience and learn more things.”\n\nIt sounds as though the family passion for seeking out your dream career at all costs has successfully passed from mother to daughter.', 'Mom inspires daughter toward higher education', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12523-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:30:15', '2014-09-25 22:30:15', '', 12523, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12523-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12612, 4, '2014-09-25 15:30:15', '2014-09-25 22:30:15', '[caption id="attachment_2494" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-2494 size-medium" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Picture-005b-300x210.jpg" alt="CAMA Student Joanne" width="300" height="210" /> Joanne leaves her old life far behind, as she completes her Online CAMA program.[/caption]\n\n“I am here to testify that God is still in the delivery business,” says <a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online/" target="_blank">Online</a> CAMA student Joanne. And, she will tell anyone who will listen that when you are ready, really ready, God will give you the strength to follow a new path.\n\nThe path Joanne had been on for twenty years was one of pain and misery. “Cocaine is a hard thing to get off of, and I want people to know that they can get off it if they really want to be delivered,” she says. “I credit the Lord and give him all the praise, honor and glory. If it wasn’t for Him I would not have been able to do it.”\n\nNo one in Joanne’s life had much hope. Too many declarations of change had failed.\n\n“It was bad,” she reflects. “I was at the lowest point. Went to jail 18-times, prison twice, jumping in and out of cars, selling my body. But, I think the Lord knows when you’re ready in your heart.”\n\nFinally paroled, Joanne moved far from home and was living in a women’s shelter when she and about a dozen other women also living there started attending services at the Temple of Christ Church in Charlotte, NC through the church’s ministry outreach program.\n\n“The church took me in and gave me a lot of love and encouragement, all the incentive I needed to be the best that I could be and live a Christian life.”\n\nOver the last four years Joanne has found her truest self and a life of service. She is very involved in her church as a Youth Director, Sunday School Superintendent and usher. Joanne’s life also found steadier ground when, at about that same time, she went to work for an extended stay hotel. Reflecting her newfound need for more order in her life, Joanne started out as a housekeeper. Ninety days later she was promoted to Head Housekeeper and 90-days after that she was promoted to Executive Housekeeper, where she still works training and supervising cleaning staff, inspecting their work, writing daily action plans and ordering supplies.\n\nJoanne enjoys her work, but remembers her earlier years working as a nursing assistant and how much it meant to her to care for the needs of others. “The medical field was always my dream because I like helping people and have a compassion for them,” she says.\n\nJoanne’s daughter, Danielle, had just started SJVC’s <a title="Medical Assistant program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-assistant/" target="_blank">Clinical and Administrative Medical Assisting</a> online program, so Joanne thought she might give it a try too. The problem: she had not been in a classroom in almost thirty years, so her confidence was thin. Her son, Terrence, gives her phone calls of support along the way.\n\n“I was a little skeptical because it had been so long since I was out of school and I was working full-time,” she says. “But I was determined and came straight home from work and dug into the books.”\n\nJoanne pushed through and finished her first module with a 4.0 GPA.\n\nOnline classes were perfect for Joanne. “I like going to discussion forums with students in different parts of the country, hearing what they have to say, and I like having them respond to my posts,” she says.\n\n“She’s a great person, a hardworking student, and I look forward to our tutoring sessions,” says Pamela Soto Gonzalez, Student Advisor. “She’s not afraid to ask for help, and her academic discipline is perfect for Online.”\n\nJoanne is already looking around the corner of this new path toward a career as a Registered Nurse. “Now that I know I have the drive and can do it, I might as well keep on going,” she says.\n\nGraduation from her CAMA program will be the second celebration of her new life. Last year Joanne was baptized in her church, where family and friends came from her hometown to celebrate her spiritual commitment.\n\n“Aunts, cousins, sister, children, mother – people I grew up with in the neighborhood; they all came to hear my testimony,” says Joanne. “They knew I’d been on drugs for years and they were amazed that God had delivered me.”\n\nThe life Joanne used to have is a far distant picture she can barely bring into focus. “I am so relieved and thankful that He has delivered me,” says Joanne. It’s not painful, and I’m not ashamed. I am not boastful. I’m just grateful for the people that God has placed in my life to help me get to where I am now.”', 'A Changed Life', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12522-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:30:15', '2014-09-25 22:30:15', '', 12522, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12522-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12613, 4, '2014-09-25 15:30:15', '2014-09-25 22:30:15', '[caption id="attachment_2315" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2315" title="Emily Lewis" alt="Emily Lewis" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Picture-4-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /> When excessive doubt threatened to hold Emily Lewis back from success, he advisors and instructors did their best to help, and show her she had the power to succeed within her all along.[/caption]\n\nWhen Emily Lewis decided to go back to school for a new career, her self-doubt almost crippled her efforts, but with the help of her instructors and advisor, she was able to recognize the talents within and excel.\n\nEmily was no stranger to the medical field, having worked in it for over twenty years.\n\n“I love people, helping them get better,” she says. “At the end of the day, it’s what makes me happy.”\n\nUnfortunately, Emily’s work had grown stagnant. She wanted something interesting, something new. She had done the same old thing for too long, but she had always wanted to move up, to learn new skills and in doing so help more people. But there was a problem.\n\n“I didn’t think I had the patience,” says Emily.\n\nNevertheless, she took the plunge. After shopping around for the best possible school, she chose SJVC’s <a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online/" target="_blank">Online</a> campus and enrolled. The program was for a certificate in <a title="Medical Assistant program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-assistant/" target="_blank">Medical Assisting</a> so she could finally move up in the medical field as she wanted. However, she began to have trouble.\n\n“Her confidence was nowhere to be found,” says Alex Nolasco, SJVC Online academic advisor. “She would call me literally daily, telling me ‘I can’t’.”\n\nEmily had been in the workforce for most of her life, where she excelled. So was so proficient in her work that she received the recognition of Employee of the Month time after time. But those skills were not helping her in her new life as a student. The pace was too fast for her.\n\n“At the beginning, I didn’t think I could do it,” says Emily.\n\nMost students contact their advisor for occasional help, occasional being the key term. Some days, Emily would call as many as three times. She was just so nervous. She worried what her instructors might think if she did not know an answer.\n\nOther schools might have been less understanding, willing to let Emily fall through the cracks, unwilling to devote the extra time and effort to help her succeed. Not this one.\n\n“They knew I was struggling,” she says. “So they took time with me, walked me through.”\n\nAlex had not only ears for Emily’s concerns, but words of encouragement. Alex did her best to help Emily overcome her fears and reach a place where she did not need as much help- a place where Emily knew she had all the power she needed within herself.\n\nEmily found that place, graduating with her certificate. She proved her strength to herself, and to her grandchildren, who could then learn a lesson about confidence and hard work.\n\nNo more did she call her advisor two or three times a day, because she did not need to. She finally knew she could do this.\n\n“I feel good about myself,” she says. “I learned so much.”\n\nHer confidence had grown so much that she returned to SJVC, continuing her education by enrolling for a program to get her Associate’s degree. She has also considered going even further by getting a Bachelor’s degree.\n\nThough she began her education nervous and unsure, thanks to the help of her advisors, and her recognizing her own strengths, she has become a better and more confident person.\n\n“I would recommend SJVC to anybody.”', 'Self-doubt no match for hard work', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12508-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:30:15', '2014-09-25 22:30:15', '', 12508, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12508-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12614, 4, '2014-09-25 15:30:15', '2014-09-25 22:30:15', '[caption id="attachment_2233" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2233" title="Lathan Murdock" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/lathan-300x225.jpg" alt="Lathan Murdock" width="300" height="225" /> After his own construction business back in Texas had fallen on hard times, Lathan needed to make a change.[/caption]\n\nLathan Murdock had his own construction business in Texas for eight years, but things were not working out the way he had hoped. He knew he had to make his move pretty soon to get out of the hole that kept getting deeper for him, his wife Cherie, and their four children, ages 3 to 10 years old. They were barely holding on.\n\n“I’d been jobless for brief periods, homeless, we’d moved twice and had to home-school the kids,” says Lathan. “But my job was to not give up.”\n\nAt 36 years old, Lathan had not been in school for a pretty long time, but he knew that education held the greatest hope for change in their lives. In July he found a <a title="Construction Management program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/construction-management/" target="_blank">Construction Management</a> program on SJVC’s <a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online/" target="_blank">Online</a> division and “the price, duration and the way it was set up – it was a no-brainer for me,” he says.\n\n“I was sick and tired of being sick and tired,” says Lathan. “I needed to do something to improve myself, something I would admire someone else for doing, and improving my own character, my own goals, my own life.”\n\nLathan was not at all certain he would do well in an academic environment, especially in courses in which he did not have a particular interest. Could he push himself hard enough to make the grade?\n\n“I’m a sit back kind of guy; it’s not really in my nature to be determined,” he says. “But once I make a decision I stick with it.” Lathan enrolled…and hit the ground running.\n\nThings got worse before they got better. Finding himself out of work again, their family had to rely on help from others.\n\n“I wasn’t able to take care of my family, I am ashamed to say,” remembers Lathan. “We lived with family or friends for a while; people just took us in, which was nice.”\n\nUnder these stressful circumstances, no one was more surprised than Lathan to find himself on the Dean’s List and hitting and maintaining a 4.0 GPA. He found lots of support from Online instructors and the Career Services department. Then, when a Construction Foreman position in Massachusetts opened up, Bryan Campbell in Career Services coached Lathan through the interview process, well before the intended time for students who are about to graduate.\n\n“Bryan was by me every step of the way,” says Lathan. “He supported me through my decision to take a new position in how to negotiate, refine my resume, and mock interviews. I don’t think I’d have this job without him.”\n\nOne of the greatest surprises about his online program was Lathan’s budding friendships with so many staff and faculty. “I didn’t expect to get to know these people as well as I did,” he says. Their admiration and respect grew for Lathan, as well.\n\n“Along with being liked and respected by fellow classmates, Lathan is an excellent and very inquisitive student who enjoys learning from both his peers and instructors,” says Michael McGuire, instructor. “While he continues his current success in the construction industry, he is developing the skills, knowledge and abilities to achieve his full potential.”\n\nThings are finally starting to stabilize for Lathan and his family. He has a full-time, steady job, the kids are in school, and “It’s nice to be normal for a while,” says Lathan.\n\nLathan admits that experiencing this kind of difficulty as a family has brought them closer together.\n\n“We’ve learned a lot about one another, this last year and a half, that’s for sure,” says Lathan. “We’ve been through hell, to tell you the truth. But, my wife has always been supportive and wants me to do what I want to do, and the kids are troupers.”\n\nLathan graduated in January knowing that he would get to take a full breath, finally. He will not pause for long, however and intends to, at some point, push for his Bachelors…maybe even his Masters degree. His success at SJVC has ignited his confidence, as well as his ambition. It has also reaffirmed his feeling about where it all begins and ends.\n\n“I’m a very spiritual man and I look to God for my ultimate inspiration and success,” he says. “I know He wants better for me…to be the best I can be. So that’s been the biggest strength; knowing there’s something more than me out there. That’s what really helps.”', 'Online student finds his stride…and strength', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12494-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:30:15', '2014-09-25 22:30:15', '', 12494, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12494-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12615, 4, '2014-09-25 15:30:15', '2014-09-25 22:30:15', '[caption id="attachment_2150" align="alignleft" width="139"]<img class="size-full wp-image-2150" title="Khampon Nasay-Partida" alt="Khampon Nasay-Partida" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ghngf.jpg" width="139" height="140" /> When a baby entered Khampon''s life, it became more difficult to juggle family and career.[/caption]\n\nSometimes, education can get pushed to the wayside, neglected or forgotten because of crisis or celebration.\n\nKhampon Nasay-Partida knew this all too well. She was not where she wanted to be in life.\n\n“I wasn’t having much luck in the career I wanted,” Khampon says.\n\nShe weighed all the options, researching program after program at all the available schools. It was not long until she found SJVC. She was interested, particularly in the online aspect. She finally decided to enroll in the <a title="Business Administration program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/business-administration/" target="_blank">Business Administration</a> program.\n\n“It was my first time attending an online school,” she says.\n\nEven if it was a first for her to study online, this was not the first time Khampon had tried going to school. However, each time she started school, life seemed to get in the way. Her last attempt had been cut short by an unexpected move. Distractions like these kept Khampon from getting the career she dreamed of having.\n\nKhampon found that SJVC’s <a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online/" target="_blank">Online</a> campus was a perfect match, because it could prevent many of her previous distractions from compromising her education. She enrolled, knowing this was the key to ensuring a better future for herself.\n\nKhampon enjoyed the program, and appreciated its “excellent faculty”. She became quite accustomed to the online aspect, preferring it to traditional on ground college educations. Everything was finally falling into place.\n\nKhampon passed her first two courses with flying colors, but soon discovered she was pregnant.\n\nThis was both a wonderful and a stressful thing. Despite the many new responsibilities heaped upon her by the pregnancy, she did her best to stay on top of her studies.\n\nStill, caring for a child changed everything. Things piled on and between caring for her newborn baby and a bout of postpartum depression, Khampon found herself falling behind.\n\n“It was difficult to make time for both a baby and school,” she says.\n\nIt was then that Khampon’s relationship with SJVC Online staff and faculty helped to pull her through. Her career advisor notified her that she was going over the time frame for graduating.\n\n“She was very understanding, making sure everything was okay,” says Khampon.\n\n“She needed a little help,” says Advisor Tekla Patton. “But she was still willing to ask.”\n\nUltimately, Khampon passed all her classes and graduated from the program. She is very thankful that the school was willing to make arrangements for her, to work within the hectic life of a new mother.\n\n“Everyone was willing to be understanding, which made a difficult task at least a little easier,” says Khampon.\n\nCongratulations on your graduation, Khampon!', 'Motherhood tests Online Student''s mettle', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12482-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:30:15', '2014-09-25 22:30:15', '', 12482, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12482-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12616, 4, '2014-09-25 15:30:15', '2014-09-25 22:30:15', '[caption id="attachment_2122" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2122" title="The Online Career Services Team" alt="The Online Career Services Team" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Career-Services2-300x178.jpg" width="300" height="178" /> These four men and women work to the best of their ability to provide the best employment opportunities for SJVC graduates.[/caption]\n\nA degree is a great investment for the future, but it is only a single part of a multitude of things necessary to attain stable employment. Even with a stunning resume, an applicant must still impress with their interview.\n\nAt each on-ground campus, SJVC students are able to meet and work with a Career Services Department that assists students and graduates in all stages of the grad-to-employee process: from resume to interview to the first day on the job.\n\n<a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online/" target="_blank">SJVC Online</a> has a creative approach to offering the same services to students throughout the country.\n\nThe Online Career Services team reaches out to students they will most likely never meet in person to help them secure externship experience before graduation and employment after.\n\nBryan Campbell, the Online Career Services Manager, is a graduate of SJVC itself and twenty-year veteran the staffing industry who knows intimately the experience of a student, putting him in the perfect position to advise them.\n\nTiffany Loken, one of the four Career Services advisors, is known to care for her students beyond scholastic concerns.\n\n“She has the biggest heart you’ll ever see,” says Bryan Campbell. “She wants to help with everything.”\n\nJane LeBarge, one of the first and longest-serving advisors, has a stand-out reputation for being dedicated to the success of her students.\n\nLastly, advisor Ivan Melchor , despite being the newest member of the team, managed to exceed his graduate placement goals.\n\nTogether, these four individuals help recent online graduates find employment.\n\n“It can be difficult, when you aren’t familiar with the area” says Tekla Patton, Online Student Advisor. “Our advisors live in California but a student could be as far away as New York.”\n\nLocal connections cannot be utilized, and new ones must be made miles away. Differing time zones across the country can complicate matters further.\n\n“We’re missing a major piece by being on the phone, “says Bryan. “Communication is mostly non-verbal.”\n\nCreative hurdle jumping is a must for the Online Career Services team. With technology, student and advisor, in reality states apart, can be in the same room. Webcams and Skype empower the team to interact closely with their students, playing our mock job interviews and addressing concerns “in person”. Video technology allows advisors to inform the student on what they’re doing right, and point out areas that need improvement.\n\n“Not too flashy, you’re fidgeting, sit up straight, don’t talk with your hands.”\n\nEven the attire can be reviewed, ensuring the students dress correctly for a interviews\n\nIt is a day-to-day commitment from the advisors to do all they can to help distant students succeed after graduation.\n\n“I appreciate all they do, the calls they make,” says Bryan. “It’s crazy how many they make. The students don’t even know how hard they work for them.”', 'Online Career Services Team gets creative to overcome great distances', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12477-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:30:15', '2014-09-25 22:30:15', '', 12477, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12477-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12617, 4, '2014-09-25 15:30:15', '2014-09-25 22:30:15', 'SJVC’s Online students are scattered across the nation and even dot other countries, so gowning up for a graduation ceremony at one of the California campuses is unlikely. However, the <a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online/" target="_blank">Online Division</a> staff did not feel it was fair for their students to work so hard toward successful completion of their degree and certificate programs without any recognition or fanfare at the finish.\n\n“Online students do just as much work as on-ground students, except that they are more self-taught, have to be very disciplined and work more independently,” says Alyssa Perry, Dean of Student Services. “But, when it came to graduation, they were not getting that big ‘Aaaah’ moment. They would get a phone call and someone from SJVC would say, ‘Congratulations, you passed your requirements; we will mail your certificate of completion.’”  Not quite the celebration that their effort and accomplishment deserved.\n\nFour months ago the Online staff began work on the production of an Online graduation ceremony video. It took a great deal of coordination among staff to complete the 18-minute video that introduces staff presenters, including Alyssa Perry, Ash Carter, Site Coordinator, and various Student Advisors, who announce the names of recent graduates.\n\n<object width="600" height="320" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/6aWs5qxvadA?version=3&amp;autoplay=0" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed width="600" height="320" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="https://www.youtube.com/v/6aWs5qxvadA?version=3&amp;autoplay=0" allowScriptAccess="always" allowscriptaccess="always" /></object>\n\nThe video combines a stagnant stage and podium illustration with a pre-recorded ‘talking head’ at the podium who speaks to the viewing audience, provides a commencement address, and announces the names of those graduating. Various staff step into each of those roles. Now that the video base is built, the names of subsequent graduates can be easily implanted, and graduation ceremonies might occur every two months. The current student population of approximately 400 will enjoy their eventual ‘commencement’ moment, as well.\n\nAlyssa Perry acknowledges that this initial video effort is just the first step in the evolution of an expanded and more sophisticated video presentation of this landmark event.\n\nIn the 8-years the Online campus has been operational, there has never been an in-person graduation exercise; the nature of distance learning makes such a venture untenable. However, the campus’ foray into a video experience paves the way to better engage Online students in the celebration of their accomplishments.\n\nOnline’s new graduation video honors 105 graduates (June 1, 2013 – Sept. 1, 2013) from Medical Office Administration, Construction Management, Clinical and Administrative Medical Assisting, Business Administration and Technical Studies programs. Eighty-seven certificates and 18 Associate of Science degrees were awarded.\n\n“This is not only an important acknowledgement of our graduates, but a milestone for the campus as pioneers of video graduation exercises,” says Ms. Perry, who found few Online college examples available.\n\nIn addition, the Online staff and faculty now have a collection of video ‘bloopers’ for their next team-building exercise for staff and faculty.', 'Online campus debuts graduation video', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12465-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:30:15', '2014-09-25 22:30:15', '', 12465, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12465-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12618, 4, '2014-09-25 15:30:15', '2014-09-25 22:30:15', '[caption id="attachment_1992" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-1992 " title="Tekla Patton with her husband" alt="Tekla Patton with her husband" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/1-300x237.jpg" width="300" height="237" /> This Online Campus faculty member does her best to remove the distance between student and advisor.[/caption]\n\nIs a Student Advisor for an online program meant to be just a title, a distant and aloof figure that merely sends an email every few months? Well, Tekla Patton does not think so.\n\nAs a student advisor for the SJVC <a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online/" target="_blank">Online Campus</a>, Tekla is there for her students. When they have questions, she can answer them. When they need a little nudge to stay on track, in line with program requirements and on top of their grades, students look to her. If a student needs tutoring, she is the one to go to.\n\nThanks to the nature of online programs, her students can be local, or in places very distant. SJVC’s Online Students do their coursework from places as far away as New York, and there are even a few students out of country, whether they are American military deployed overseas or otherwise. And yet, despite the many miles separating Visalia and these many places, Tekla is there to help.\n\n“It’s really cool to reach out to students,” says Tekla.\n\nHer duties also include preparing those newly enrolled in the program with student orientation.\n\nThough Tekla has been working for<a title="SJVC" href="http://www.sjvc.edu" target="_blank"> SJVC</a> for two and a half years, her history in the education sector is longer still. First, she was an academic advisor at Bakersfield College. After moving to Visalia, she was hired at College of the Sequoias. Finally, she would join SJVC as Student Center Coordinator.\n\nBut Tekla has a special qualification for her position: her own educational background. A Master’s Degree in Counseling allows her to reach out to students even more in her position. Beyond simply keeping students up to date with steps to graduation, she can work with them more closely, and in a more personal capacity.\n\nHer care and understanding are lifesavers for students in times of crisis. She is not merely their advisor, but a friend. If difficulties arise in students’ lives, Tekla can help.\n\n“She knows the students for who they are,” says Online Campus Dean of Student Services Alyssa Perry.\n\nUnsurprisingly, her students like her. Her optimism is comforting. They say she is involved, genuinely interested in their lives, and concerned for their problems. When they talk, their conversations are not limited to the topics of SJVC and the program. She is even Facebook friends with them.\n\nBut Tekla is hardly content to perform the duties of her position, as well as she does. She serves beyond the call, being a member of both SJVC’s Holiday Planning and Diversity Committees. To fund the Online Campus holiday party, she auctioned off festive baskets.\n\nShe always knew she wanted to teach in some way, to help people, and this is just the way she does it.\n\nAs for her future, Tekla is pretty happy where she is.\n\n“I don’t see myself going anywhere anytime soon.”', 'Online Student Advisor reaches out', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12457-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:30:15', '2014-09-25 22:30:15', '', 12457, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12457-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12619, 4, '2014-09-25 15:30:15', '2014-09-25 22:30:15', '[caption id="attachment_1749" align="alignleft" width="290"]<img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1749" title="Medical Assisting Student Sandy Clute and her fiance" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Screen-Shot-2013-10-22-at-8.34.04-AM-290x290.png" alt="Medical Assisting Student Sandy Clute and her fiance" width="290" height="290" /> Despite crises, Sandy resolved to make for herself a better life through education.[/caption]\n\nSandy Clute will be the first to tell you that not graduating high school until she was twenty-one was all on her. When she was a sophomore and not doing well with the academic constraints of the Akron, Ohio public school system, she opted to become an independent student enrolled in an online home-school program. But, the freedom of self-study proved too tempting.\n\n“I just didn’t put enough time into it,” says Sandy, who also held down a string of jobs along the way.\n\nBy the time Sandy was eighteen she had worked in everything from fast-food and factories to home health care and an assisted living facility. She was floating and wasn’t sure where she would land. Finally, she heard a voice that would snap her out of it.\n\nThe Assistant Principal of her old high school had come to work for the same independent study school she was in her 5th year of attending. “Coach”, as he was known, gave her the push she needed to finally finish graduation requirements. “Sandy, you can do this; I know you can,” he encouraged. “If you don’t do it now, you never will.”\n\n“I needed 4-units to graduate with my class and had 2-weeks to do it,” says Sandy. She told herself, “Sandy, you’ve been playing for so long that you’re about to fail at what you’ve been doing all your life. It was crunch time.”\n\nSandy pulled through and in June, 2009, at the age of twenty-one she graduated with her class of seventy-two.\n\nIn July, 2009 Sandy realized she was pregnant. She and her boyfriend had broken up the month before.\n\n“That was a strong smack in the face,” she says. “You have somebody you’re responsible for now, so do what you need to do,” she told herself.\n\nSandy started working full-time for a temporary agency and life went forward. Her daughter, Serenity, was born and Sandy focused on providing for the two of them as well as she could.\n\nSerenity had a series of health scares from age one until a few months after she turned two. First, a serious viral infection put her in the hospital, then at two-years old she struggled to drink liquids and suffered from symptoms of asthma, while sleep apnea threatened her at night. Thankfully, surgery to remove her tonsils and adenoids resolved those problems. A few months after turning two, a serious dog bite that required almost 80-stitches on her face put her in the hospital for a week when the wound became infected “My bubble child,” says Sandy.\n\nThe health of her daughter restored, Sandy enrolled in SJVC’s <a title="Medical Assistant program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-assistant/" target="_blank">Clinical Medical Assisting</a> certificate program, <a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online/" target="_blank">Online</a>. She knew two things for sure: education was the key to providing a better life for Serenity, and online was the way for her to work and take care of her daughter while she got it.\n\nThe CMA program got off to a great start for Sandy.\n\nSandy was just settling in when the sudden loss of family members brought her progress to a halt. She began to flounder. Just two months after starting her program, Sandy was terminated.\n\nIt took two months for Sandy to get into a place where she could give the kind of attention to her education that it and she deserved. She petitioned SJVC to allow her to come back and was accepted.\n\n“My first week back Alyssa Perry (Dean of Student Services) called to introduce herself and to tell me that her door was always open,” says Sandy. “I was blown away.”\n\n“Sandy’s academics were suffering at the beginning of her program,” says Pamela Soto-Gonzalez, instructor. “After being terminated, she came back to school as the dedicated, motivated student I knew she could be. She is now on the Dean’s List and I feel her situation is a perfect example of how students can get into gear and turn it all around for themselves.”\n\nAnother person giving her encouragement and support is her fiancé, Ted, whom she plans to marry next June, and who “keeps me steady”, she says.\n\nScheduled to graduate at the end of October, Sandy’s focus is now a laser beam on the future.\n\n“I have to make sure that I do my best so that when my daughter gets older, is about to go to college and is facing difficulties, she will have faith in herself because she saw that I could do it.”\n\nSandy’s dream to become a Registered Nurse one day will make her point even stronger.', 'A long way from there…to here', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12438-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:30:15', '2014-09-25 22:30:15', '', 12438, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12438-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12620, 4, '2014-09-25 15:30:16', '2014-09-25 22:30:16', '[caption id="attachment_1708" align="alignleft" width="290"]<img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1708 " title="SJVC Online Instructor Emily Ware" alt="SJVC Online Instructor Emily Ware" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Screen-Shot-2013-09-25-at-10.56.06-AM-290x290.png" width="290" height="290" /> “I like to get students excited about the material I’m teaching, watch them learn something new and develop a love for learning." -Online Instructor Emily Ware[/caption]\n\nIt would seem that the faceless nature of <a title="SJVC Online classes available here" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online" target="_blank">online classes</a> would make it hard for students and instructors to connect. Where’s the eye contact, the facial and body expressions and the intimacy of sharing space? Who can feel heard from such distances, both geographic and physical?\n\nOnline General Ed instructor, Emily Ware has figured it out.\n\n“I really do get to know them better, but in a different way,” says Emily Ware. “We actually spend more one-on-one time together, so I get to learn more about them as individuals.”\n\nHer students feel the love.\n\n“Emily Ware went above and beyond to help me,” says Mississippi Online student, Kimberly Sanders. “She’s a great instructor and I’d like to tell everyone how great she is.”\n\nMrs. Ware felt the same way. “Kim was always eager to learn,” she says. “She asked a lot of questions, and I liked that about her. She was a bright spot in my day, when I’d hear from her.”\n\nEmily Ware comes from a long line of teachers. But, she was the first one in the family to go in a different career direction for several years, when she worked as a buyer in the fashion industry.\n\n“I felt like I was always meant to teach, but got off track for a few years,” says Emily. Now that she has answered the call to help others discover their highest potential, she is in full swing.\n\n“I like to get students excited about the material I’m teaching, watch them learn something new and develop a love for learning,” she says. “When they see their skill levels go up after studying and where they end up; it boosts their confidence, and it’s very rewarding.”\n\nOne of Emily’s best moments came when a student submitted a big PowerPoint project with a note that said “I don’t even care what grade I got on this because I had so much fun doing it.”\n\n“I was happy that she had fun with it and that she was happy with what she created,” says Emily.\n\nTekla Patton, Student Services, also has high praise for Emily. “She is great at contacting students by phone, e-mail and even text messages,” says Tekla. “Her courses are geared to every student’s learning styles. Emily does admit to giving her students her cell phone number – and takes all calls.\n\nNow that web cams are more popular, Emily gets to finally see some of her students.\n\n“Sometimes I didn’t even know if my student was male or female, from the name,” she says. And, now most posts come in with a student photo, so a new door has opened to communication. “Many student projects include information about their life and kids,” says Emily, who enjoys an even deeper understanding of her students’ lives.\n\nEmily comes by her gift of teaching naturally. Her mom, Robin, set an exceptional standard.\n\n“My mom is an amazing teacher and she motivated me to be the teacher I am,” says Ware. “I feel like I’ve learned a lot about how to be a teacher from her.”', 'Far away voices find support', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12428-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:30:16', '2014-09-25 22:30:16', '', 12428, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12428-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12621, 4, '2014-09-25 15:30:16', '2014-09-25 22:30:16', '[caption id="attachment_1674" align="alignleft" width="290"]<img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1674  " title="SJVC student Ashley Schwarz and her daughter" alt="SJVC student Ashley Schwarz and her daughter" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Screen-Shot-2013-09-10-at-2.58.18-PM-290x290.png" width="290" height="290" /> About daughter Haylee: I want her to know that anything is possible at any point in your life.” -Ashley[/caption]\n\nFor the longest time, the only voice of encouragement Ashley Schwarz heard was that one deep inside her. “You’ve got to be better,” it said. Ashley lost each of her parents before she was ready to be on her own and, without siblings, her lone inner voice was the only one pushing her forward.\n\nAshley knew she wanted a career in the medical field after, at 12-years old, she witnessed her mom succumb to kidney disease.\n\n“I don’t remember a day that she wasn’t sick,” says Ashley. “I always told her I would grow up and find a cure for kidney disease.”\n\nAshley started and stopped college a few times and just couldn’t seem to latch on. But when she found SJVC’s online <a title="Medical Assistant program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-assistant/" target="_blank">Clinical Medical Assisting</a> program, things fell into place.\n\n“You guys saved my life,” she enthuses. “This is the best thing that’s ever happened.” That doesn’t mean it was easy.\n\nAshley’s life had changed quite a bit since her previous attempts at continuing her education. She had married, eventually started a family and had all of the responsibilities of a young family trying to get ahead. She had earned her CNA right out of high school and was working full-time as a receptionist in a doctor’s office. But, she wanted more for herself and her family.\n\nAshley first tested the online water with the CMA certificate program. All was going well until her math class threatened to take her down.\n\n“Pam (Soto-Gonzalez, student support) called me almost every night and would just take control of my computer to help me work through problems,” says Ashley. “I definitely wouldn’t have been as successful as I was without how dedicated everyone was to helping students.”\n\n“Ashley is a great example of how the educational experience is what the student makes of it, and I am proud of her accomplishments,” says Pam Soto-Gonzalez.\n\nEncouraged by her certificate program success, Ashley enrolled in and completed the CMA A.S. degree program. Her husband, Kevin, and their now 2-year old daughter, Haylee, gave her the support and encouragement she needed to keep going.\n\n“When things got tough Kevin would say, ‘Suck it up, sister,’” Ashley laughs. “And, Haylee would sit with me at the computer and pretend she was doing her ‘school work’ too.”\n\nAshley graduated last February and barely paused before enrolling in an online <a title="Human Resource Administration program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/human-resource-administration/" target="_blank">Human Resources</a>, Bachelor’s degree program. Still working full-time, she is determined to do whatever it takes to have the medical career of her dreams. She has even managed to pull Kevin into her industry of choice.\n\nWhile Kevin was working at a factory she submitted his application for a Surgery Services Dept. supervisory position at their local University Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. He got the job.\n\n“Once I forced him into it, he took off,” says Ashley. “I’m very proud of him and happy that he’s doing what he loves.”\n\nThat day isn’t far off for Ashley, too, whose medical office management responsibilities will be to train others to provide front and back office medical care and support for their patients. She will have earned that position one step at a time.\n\n“One of the things I struggled most with was growing up never having people tell me I could stretch myself,” says Ashley. “All the support I had here (at <a href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online" target="_blank">SJVC Online</a>) pushed me into a place I never thought I could go.”\n\nShe is making sure that Haylee gets a different childhood message. “I want her to know that anything is possible at any point in your life.” Ashley’s example says it loud and clear.', 'A quiet voice grows strong', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12425-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:30:16', '2014-09-25 22:30:16', '', 12425, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12425-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
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(12622, 4, '2014-09-25 15:30:16', '2014-09-25 22:30:16', '[caption id="attachment_1665" align="alignleft" width="280"]<img class=" wp-image-1665" style="border: 1px solid black; margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 3px;" title="Ola Petty" alt="Ola Petty" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Ola-petty-RESIZED.jpg" width="280" height="177" /> One degree wasn''t quite enough for such an ambitious, hard-worker as Ola, which is why she returned to SJVC for further schooling.[/caption]\n\nOnline student, Ola Petty, is on fire with her career education. It wasn’t enough for her that she enrolled in and completed the <a title="Medical Assisting Program " href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-assistant" target="_blank">Clinical Medical Assisting</a> certificate program, then extended her commitment in the program to earn her A.S. degree. She decided to re-up and enrolled in the<a title="Medical Office Administration Program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-office" target="_blank"> Medical Office Administration</a> certificate program, just to top it off.\n\n“I want to do anything at the hospital they want me to – front, back, side, left, right,” says Ola Petty. “Whatever they need me to do, I can do.”\n\nBut, getting to that point wasn’t going to be easy.\n\nEven with the support of fiancé, Freddie, Ola was pretty stretched, caring for 3-year old Fredrina, 9-year old William and 12-year old Chassity. William, who suffers from severe asthma and ADHD, had frequent and unpredictable hospital stays that tossed all schedules aside. His asthma often flashed into bronchitis, then pneumonia, before the episode could be managed.\n\n“I took my computer with me to the hospital and people would say, ‘You are so eager to learn,’” says Ola.\n\nBut her studies were suffering and she was trying everything to stabilize her home life.\n\n“We had to move from the apartment we were in because of the paint and carpet,” says Ola. Even the pollen outside was a constant threat to William and kept her on high alert.\n\nThings got to a point where she thought she just couldn’t continue with school. “There was too much on me and I was about to give up,” says Ola.\n\nTekla Patton, Ola’s student advisor, had worked closely with Ola to get her through difficult parts of her classes and they had become especially close. Now Tekla stepped in and got Ola the help she needed to come up with a new plan. “They gave me a few days to get it together,” says Ola. “I decided I came too far in school to let it go, so I came back and gave 100% of myself.”\n\nThe online campus was glad to have her back. “They made me feel real good about myself.”\n\n“Ola has been working really hard the last two years to complete her programs,” says Tekla. “And, now she’s coming back for more education.” It looks like their friendship will have some more time to grow.\n\nNow Ola is back in the swing of going to school – which is a little confusing to her 3-year old. “Mom, I didn’t know you could go to school like that, over and over and over,” Fredrina tells her. Ola just laughs at that, but everyone in her household knows that when Ola is at her computer, it is serious study time and she is not to be disturbed.\n\nThe kids also know that Ola is doing all this for them. “I want a better living for my kids and I want to have something in my life,” says Ola. “And, I want my kids to know that nothing in life is free. You have to work for what you get,” she says.\n\nOla feels that her employment prospects, with both the CMA and MOA programs finished, are very good. “I got documents behind my name,” she says. “I think I’ll choose a good job in a place where I’m needed.”\n\nThis has been a long and sometimes difficult educational process for Ola, but she knows why she made it to this point. “The Lord plays a very important part in this, and if it wasn’t for Him I probably wouldn’t be here.”', 'Student is a triple threat to other job applicants', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12424-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:30:16', '2014-09-25 22:30:16', '', 12424, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12424-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12623, 4, '2014-09-25 15:30:32', '2014-09-25 22:30:32', '<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Wanda-Robinson.jpg"><img class="alignleft  wp-image-1300" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Wanda-Robinson.jpg" alt="Wanda Robinson" width="184" height="138" /></a>Ever wanted to so something, but just couldn’t find the motivation?  Couldn’t get yourself out of your comfortable routine?\n\nWanda Robinson had worked for some time in the physician’s office of a large hospital in GA, but wanted to qualify for a management position and the salary increase that came with promotion. Her friend and co-worker Janice encouraged her to check out <a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online">SJVC’s Online </a>programs to help Wanda get the education she needed to succeed. Janice had completed the online CMA program, and knew the education would give Wanda the opportunity to reach her goals.\n\nJanice’s nudging led Wanda to check out the <a title="Medical Office" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical_office">Medical Office Administration </a>program; she was so impressed by it that she reorganized her schedule around her full-time job in order to be able to take classes!\n\n“Let me stop procrastinating and just get it done,” she said to herself.\n\nWanda had already earned her Medical Office Clerk and Billing Specialist certificate at Savannah Technical College and had been trained in completing coding and billing. Despite her experience, she knew the gaps in her training and a lack of a higher degree kept her from advancement.\n\n“My online classes were much more in depth,” says Wanda. “It was much, much better, and everything fell into place for me as I learned the rules, laws and policies that explained the job I had been doing.”\n\nJanice’s participation in Wanda’s education did not end with her enrollment.\n\n“Janice still stayed on me with ‘How are your classes going?’ and ‘How did you do on that test?’”, says Wanda. “And I had to see her every day!” she laughs. Wanda admits it was kind of nice to have your own cheerleader at work.\n\nJanice was not her sole cheerleader in this journey. Her 18-year old daughter, Paris, and 9-year old son, Nicholas were constant with their encouragement in her studying and did a lot to help out at home.\n\n“Paris graduates from high school this year and plans to go to Culinary Arts College in Atlanta, so we got to be her guinea pigs at mealtime,” says Wanda. Wanda’s parents were excited for her success, as well, and helped out with the kids whenever they could.\n\nWith her family’s support, and the achievability of the program, Wanda found she could take on any subject.\n\n“I’ve never liked math,” she confesses. “But, with the videos that show you exactly how to do the problems, the ‘help me’ tabs, e-mails from teachers and other resources, I was like ‘Wow’, I can do math!”\n\nMath was not the only subject at which Wanda excelled. She both appeared on the Dean’s List 12 times and graduated with a 3.83 GPA, and she credits her success to her family.\n\n“I wanted to show them that you should always finish what you start,” she says. “They were all so happy when I got my degree,” says Wanda. “Just knowing my parents and children were proud of me is enough.”\n\nIt was not long after Wanda handed her degree to her supervisor that she found herself promoted to Team Leader and enjoying a nice salary bump. Her new responsibilities include supervision of 19 employees and fill in leadership in the absence of her supervisor.\n\nWanda is pleased with her degree, but she is hungry for another. She knows she will have Janice (and her own family) behind her, and finds herself taking on the role of cheerleader.\n\n“Now I’m motivating her, too, to pursue our Bachelor degrees together,” says Wanda.', 'The Power of One', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12391-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:30:32', '2014-09-25 22:30:32', '', 12391, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12391-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12624, 4, '2014-09-25 15:30:32', '2014-09-25 22:30:32', '<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Monica1.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1187" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Monica1-290x290.jpg" alt="Monica" width="290" height="290" /></a>With a population of around 12,000, Blackfoot, Idaho doesn’t have a lot to offer in terms of employment opportunities.\n\n“The best job I could hope for was WalMart or the bank; we have a lot of banks but they don’t pay much,” says <a title="Medical Assistant" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-assistant">SJVC medical assisting</a> student Monica Verlanic. “We have a couple of grocery stores and a police station, but you’re lucky if the police station is hiring.”\n\nThe greatest employment opportunities lie with the Bingham Memorial Hospital Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Idaho Doctor’s Hospital, which employs approximately 500 people.\n\nMonica was able to get her foot in the door at Bingham as a Certified Nursing Assistant (back office) with the stipulation that she complete her <a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online/">online</a> Clinical and Administrative Medical Assisting program and pass the state test for certification.  “Everyone at the hospital has been very encouraging and supportive for me to go to school,” says Monica, who is also completing her CAMA program Externship there.\n\nBut, no one has been more supportive than her own family. Monica’s husband, Paul, and their four children, ranging in age from 2-11, have pitched in to make it work. “Paul does all the cooking, kids do the chores, and my oldest son helps take care of the baby,” she says.\n\nThe most difficult time was when Paul had to work in North Dakota for 4-months and was on a 2-weeks gone/1-week home cycle. “That was a long stretch,” says Monica, who had to juggle full-time work, online classes, the kids’ sports schedules, homework and running the house without his help.\n\nEven with this hectic schedule Monica managed to make the Dean’s List 11-times. The first time she received the Dean’s List certification in the mail, Paul posted it on Facebook for all their friends and family to see. “It was nice to see how proud of me he was,” says Monica.\n\nAsked about the greatest obstacle she encountered along the way, Monica says, “It was all hard.” She understands why students who are struggling might want to quit or at least take a break; but she cautions against it. “Don’t stop, no matter how hard it gets,” she says. “Once you stop, it’s hard to go back. And don’t be afraid to ask for help.”\n\nHer own struggle to graduate is almost at its end – and Monica isn’t sure how she feels about it or what she will do with the extra time. “I think it’s going to be very strange because I’m used to doing so much,” she says. But, about one thing, she has no doubt: “It was worth it.”', 'Small Town Limits Career Choices', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12377-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:30:32', '2014-09-25 22:30:32', '', 12377, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12377-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12625, 4, '2014-09-25 15:30:32', '2014-09-25 22:30:32', '<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Rebecca-Price.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1166" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Rebecca-Price-290x290.jpg" alt="Rebecca Price" width="290" height="290" /></a>Rebecca Price did not make it to college after she graduated from high school in 1990. The birth of her son, Brody, changed the course of her life and college was pushed to the back as she focused on her role as a single mom. “Having a baby was not the right time for me to think about college,” says Rebecca.\n\nHowever, her “baby” was getting married soon and Rebecca was about to be 40, “so now was the time for me to do it,” she says of her computer search for online education opportunities. Rebecca found <a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online/">SJVC’s online</a> Clinical and Administrative <a title="Medical Assistant" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-assistant/">Medical Assisting</a> program and enrolled in April of 2012. Online classes allow her to continue working full-time as a Home Health Care Aid, while she cares for her 9-year old daughter, Alivia, and her disabled father, Joe, who has many serious health care issues.\n\nRebecca was a little nervous about going back to school after such a long absence. Her greatest struggle was with her algebra class, which she took twice. “The second time around it just clicked,” she says. Her Student Advisor, Josh Mishou, was there to support her through her bleakest moments. “I felt like I had a cheerleader at my side the whole way,” says Rebecca, who ended up with a solid B. “I get a lot of positive reinforcement from all my teachers – and seeing those A’s is just phenomenal,” she says.\n\nShe also has a lot of support at home. “Alivia is very mature for her age and takes on a lot of responsibility,” says Rebecca. “If I ask her to do something, she’s on it.” Joe also gives a lot of encouragement to Rebecca and is quick to tell relatives how she is doing. Rebecca’s 3.8 GPA gives him a little something to talk about, and Rebecca feels his pride.\n\nEven with all of Rebecca’s responsibilities at home, work and school, she was determined to finish what she started.  “My sense of accomplishment is a reward in itself,” she says. “If I can’t do well at something, I’d rather just not do it.” All that effort and reward are not lost on Alivia, who just started public school this year after years of home-schooling. “Just like me, she was nervous at first,” says Rebecca. “But she’s doing really well and loving it.” It is important to Rebecca to give her daughter a positive role model and show her the importance of finishing what you start.\n\nRebecca plans to use her CAMA education and training to work in a holistic medical environment. Her interest is spurred by Brody’s autism, which has benefitted significantly from holistic therapies. Rebecca may continue her education to become a Registered Nurse or Physician Assistant. She knows that anything is possible – no matter how late your start in higher education.', 'It''s Never too Late', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12374-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:30:32', '2014-09-25 22:30:32', '', 12374, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12374-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12626, 4, '2014-09-25 15:30:32', '2014-09-25 22:30:32', '<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/TShirt-Image-01.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1095" alt="TShirt Image-01" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/TShirt-Image-01-290x290.jpg" width="290" height="290" /></a>The Online campus is making the most of <a title="SJVC" href="http://www.sjvc.edu">SJVC</a>’s new inspirational t-shirts by giving them to students who need a little lift in spirit. The motivational messages on the tees are speaking to student struggles and reminding them that their sacrifices are worth it.\n\n“One student called us right away when she received her <i>‘Never Give Up!’ </i>T-shirt to thank us and let us know that, even though she had been struggling, she was able to pass her course with a ‘B’,” says Nickie Acevedo, Administrative Assistant to the Deans. A little encouragement at just the right time can make a difference.\n\nThe T-shirts are gifted through the <a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.eduonline" target="_blank">Online</a> campus’s Student Support Fund, which committee members use to help students with small but pressing financial needs, or who deserve recognition, or a little reward for outstanding work. In addition to T-shirts, the Student Support Fund might help students with a gas card, bus pass, baby diapers or maybe a gift card to help purchase an outfit appropriate for a job interview.  Students on the Dean’s List might get one of the new motivational T-shirts or some other treat in recognition of their hard work.\n\nThe Online campus raises money for the Student Services Fund by having lunch sales, selling snacks and through other campus initiatives.\n\nThis new line of colorful, student-savvy tees is available for purchase for $6.00, using Paypal or a credit card on SJVC’s Facebook page: <a title="SJVC on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com/sjvcs" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/sjvcs</a>.  There is no charge for shipping if you pick up your purchase at your campus Student Center; otherwise it is $4.00 for shipping it elsewhere. SJVC is selling the T-shirts at cost – plus a dollar donation to a fellow campus. You can ‘browse the racks’ at <a title="SJVC T-shirt Store" href="https://www.facebook.com/SJVCs/app_515661228485859" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/SJVCs/app_515661228485859</a>.\n\nThe Online campus is the first to enjoy the proceeds from March sales and hope to replenish their Student Support Fund, which has only been in operation for a couple of months. Each month a new campus will be the beneficiary of a dollar from each T-shirt sale to use for their campus fund. And, we’re hoping the bucks add up fast.\n\nJust know that when you buy and wear one of SJVC’s new, inspirational T-shirts, you are showing school pride and helping other students through a rough patch, at the same time. Looking good…feeling good.  Helping, celebrating each other in our global SJVC family.', 'Looking Good...Feeling Good', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12366-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:30:32', '2014-09-25 22:30:32', '', 12366, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12366-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12627, 4, '2014-09-25 15:30:32', '2014-09-25 22:30:32', '<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/charmelle.jpeg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-671" title="charmelle" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/charmelle-290x290.jpeg" alt="" width="290" height="290" /></a>Charmelle Andrews knows how to hunker down. When challenge blows her way – whether it is going back to college at age 48, working full-time while enrolled in the<a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online/"> Medical Office Administration online </a>program, or trying to function in the dark when Hurricane Sandy blew through her home in Staten Island, NY – she digs in.\n\n“When you look outside and see a boat in your yard – and you don’t own one – you know it’s bad,” says Charmelle. She is grateful she was only “inconvenienced”, when many of her co-workers at the home health agency where she works lost their homes.\n\n“Some of my friends still don’t know where their cars are,” she says.\n\nEven though the electricity and gas are back on, Charmelle still has plenty of struggle, working full-time while trying to complete her MOA degree program in April next year. Some days she just doesn’t want to go to class and toys with the idea of giving up. But, she knows from past experience that her degree will open doors.\n\n“I’ve lost jobs that my experience made me more qualified for, but someone else got it because of that little piece of paper,” she says. “Ok, if that’s what they want, I’ll go and get it.”\n\nCharmelle first enrolled in the <a title="Medical Office" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-office/">Medical Office Administration </a>certification program. When she finished that she decided to take it all the way and get her AS degree. This proved a little more difficult, as double classes meant that sometimes lectures overlap. Add in her 4-hour time difference in New York and full-time work and it can be a scramble.\n\n“I’ve kind of shocked myself that I’ve had the patience to do it,” she says. Her persistence has paid off with making the Dean’s List eight times.\n\nPlus, friends and family won’t let her quit. “When I am tired and fee like giving up, someone in her family and friend support group will say, “You can do it; your fan club is here!”’ says Charmelle.\n\nCharmelle keeps her vision of success in sharp focus. She wants to start her own medical billing business one day – maybe working out of her home. She is counting on a little more control over her life than hurricanes have been known to offer. She is the whirlwind who can do it.', 'Hurricane Sandy Meets Her Match', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12349-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:30:32', '2014-09-25 22:30:32', '', 12349, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12349-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12628, 4, '2014-09-25 15:30:32', '2014-09-25 22:30:32', '<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/hero-medical-office-administration.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-104" title="hero-medical-office-administration" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/hero-medical-office-administration-300x243.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="243" /></a>Effective September 1, 2011, <a title="SJVC Online" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/sjvc-online/">San Joaquin Valley College - Online </a>is pleased to announce that <a title="Medical Office" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/medical-office/">Medical Office Administration</a> students are now eligible to take the Insurance and Coding Specialist certification exam through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) upon graduation.\n\nThis test is in addition to the Medical Office Assistant certification exam already being offered to graduates through NCCT.  San Joaquin Valley College will pay for one (1) of the two (2) examinations provided the examination is taken within six months of graduation.  Information on testing can be found at the NCCT website: <a href="http://www.ncctinc.com/">www.ncctinc.com</a>.', 'New Certification Eligibility for MA Students!', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12277-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:30:32', '2014-09-25 22:30:32', '', 12277, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12277-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12629, 4, '2014-09-25 15:30:32', '2014-09-25 22:30:32', '<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/NTHS-logo1.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-23" title="NTHS logo" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/NTHS-logo1-283x300.jpg" alt="" width="283" height="300" /></a>NTHS (National Technical Honor Society) is the acknowledged leader in the recognition of outstanding student achievement in career and technical education programs.\n\nThousands of schools and colleges throughout the U.S. and its territories have honor society chapters on their campuses.  These member schools agree that NTHS encourages higher scholastic achievement, cultivates a desire for personal excellence, and helps students find success in today''s highly competitive workplace.  NTHS awards an increasing number of scholarships each year to its members.\n\n<a title="SJVC" href="http://www.sjvc.edu">SJVC</a> is now a proud participant and member of NTHS!  Students with a 3.0 GPA or higher will be able to take advantage of several benefits being NTHS members, such as:\n<ul>\n	<li>NTHS scholarship eligibility – over $90,000 to be awarded this year.</li>\n	<li>Online educational and career services through the NTHS website.</li>\n	<li>Award certificates, membership cards, and acknowledgement through the website</li>\n	<li>Eligibility to become an NTHS alumni member.</li>\n</ul>', 'Have you heard about our newest Online society?', 'SJVC is now a proud participant and member of the National Technical honor Society!', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12269-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:30:32', '2014-09-25 22:30:32', '', 12269, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12269-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12630, 4, '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/ttt.png"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3020" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/ttt-253x300.png" alt="SJVC Ontario Construction Management Instructor Serge" width="253" height="300" /></a>Many share the dream of writing and having published a book, but few have the discipline and fortitude it takes to make that dream a reality. Retired architect and <a title="Construction Management at SJVC" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/construction-management" target="_blank">Construction Management</a> instructor, Serge Laraque, made it happen – twice.\n\nLaraque’s first venture into the realm of ‘published author’ was with Self Determi-Nation, a self-help book about “the power within” that took him about two years to write and “sold fairly well,” he says.\n\nHis newly released Covenant Games (Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble) is a sharp turn to fiction and centers on protagonist, Jean Luc Duvignon, an architect who stumbles across evidence that his architecture firm is corrupt and willing to murder to conceal its depth of crime and deceit. Jean Luc becomes an FBI informant and risks his life, as well as the lives of close colleagues, in his attempt to help bring this powerful firm to justice.\n\n“This one has a lot more potential than the first book,” says Serge. “So far it is getting a very positive response; all these people are following me (Twitter/Face Book), so the word is a little bit out.”\n\nThe writing process is grueling, as one might expect; and it took Serge four years to complete his second literary offering. “Writing demands a lot of attention and patience,” he says. “There should be blood and sweat gushing out of the pages of this book,” he laughs.\n\nSerge makes it clear that what you write is a manuscript, not a book. “Your editor will decide if it’s a book or not,” he emphasizes. If your work is published there is another, equally important, level of acceptance.\n\n“Somebody is going to read what you produce, and they’re the ones who make it or break it,” he cautions.\n\nSerge feels that he is very fortunate to have the kind of position at <a title="SJVC Ontario campus location" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/ontario" target="_blank">SJVC Ontario</a>, teaching evening Construction Management classes, that allows him to devote morning hours to writing. Aside from Serge’s wife, Linda, their son, Christopher and their granddaughter Maia, few people even knew he was working on another book.\n\n“Without SJVC I really could not have the freedom to do this kind of thing,” says Serge. “I am very thankful to have this kind of position to have the morning to put my thoughts on paper.”\n\nSerge shared plot lines with a SJVC colleague. “He had me captivated with his ability to talk about the chapters so passionately,” says Angelia Crenshaw, CJC Program Director at SJVC. “He would add to the chapters while talking to me. Amazing.”\n\nSerge works diligently from the corner of a room. “When I was writing this book, I would come home real tired but vowed to myself that I would write one line today – and that’s what I would do.”\n\nThere were enough lines and enough interest in Serge’s story to launch this 450-page suspense thriller. Now he waits to measure its impact and popularity. “This game is all about numbers,” says Laraque, who tracks book sales.\n\nActually…he is not waiting. Serge’s next novel of fiction, this time about political dysfunction and human strife in Haiti, is at the ready. He is also laying out the plot lines for a sequel to Covenant Games. “Something is germinating from that original idea, and I’m going to try to maintain that momentum, if possible,” says Serge.\n\nSerge’s efforts are rewarded in many ways. “I just want the public to read something that is a good product and really engage them in the material,” he says. “If it comes true that in the end it might produce a financial reward, it is most welcome.”\n\nSerge Laraque has a bit of advice for those who might harbor a desire to put fingers to keyboard in hopes of connecting with other minds through the written word.\n\n“Organize your thoughts, step up to the plate, create something, bring it to the forefront,” he says. “Have a story and want to put it together.”\n\nSerge Laraque has clearly taken his own good advice.', 'Ontario instructor has new book published', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '3016-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '', 3016, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/3016-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12631, 4, '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '[caption id="attachment_2997" align="alignleft" width="115"]<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Annessa.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2997" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Annessa-115x300.jpg" alt="Annessa and sister, Brittany, at graduation." width="115" height="300" /></a> Annessa and sister, Brittany, at graduation.[/caption]\n\nAnnessa Turner was twenty-six years old and had been trying on different occupations ever since her first job at age fourteen. “All I knew was that I wanted to help people in need, because that’s what I had a passion for,” she says.\n\nThat passion led her to a position in a retirement home where she started out in housekeeping and was quickly made part of the care-giving staff because of her sensitive interpersonal skills and loving interactions with residents.\n\n“They called me ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ because I took a personal interest in their lives and their families,” says Annessa.\n\nThat led to a position with a company that provides in-home care for those who need assistance with the ongoing needs of their daily lives. This job confirmed the idea that a profession in patient care was where Annessa was meant to be.\n\nAnother important event solidified that decision when Annessa’s father succumbed to brain cancer after a 10-month struggle.\n\n“He so badly wanted me to have a good education and have a happy life,” says Annessa. “He is my inspiration for everything I do. I don’t want everything he has taught and shown me to be in vain.”\n\nEnrolling in the <a title="SJVC''s respiratory therapy program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/respiratory-therapy">Respiratory Therapy program</a> on the <a title="SJVC''s Ontario Campus" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/ontario" target="_blank">Ontario campus</a> not only set her on the career path she had always wanted, it provided a soft place to land for the support she very much needed after her greatest loss.\n\n“I never expected to have teachers who are so passionate about their careers and their students,” says Annessa. “They make themselves available to anyone at any time, and that environment is irreplaceable. I sought their advice for things much outside RT. They helped guide me through school, as well as my life path.”\n\nAnnessa admits that her greatest struggle has been herself. “My own insecurities, lack of self-confidence and not being able to assert myself has always held me back,” she says.\n\nShe credits so many at SJVC for helping her to see a truer vision of herself. “It was a blessing that Lea Endress was my first instructor,” she says. “He was so positive and inspirational and told me ‘You can do anything,’ and sounded so much like my father.”\n\nThere were others, like her teacher Russell McCord. “He is the type of instructor that students never forget,” says Annessa. “His positivity is contagious. Simply being around him makes you want to be a better person.”\n\nShe found her role model in instructor Hank Lockridge. “His infinite knowledge and wisdom has inspired us all to do our best so that when go out into our field we give the highest level of care to our patients,” she says.\n\nClinical rotations were a revelation to Annessa. “Loma Linda Hospital is my dream right now,” she says. “I hope that I made an impression there to be remembered. It just felt like home, like that was where I should be. I believe in their Mission Statement to make man whole; they’re treating the whole person, not just a patient.”\n\nThere was a lot of self-discovery along the way. “Who I am now versus who I was when I started school is a very different person,” she says. It is important for her to do her very best so that she can provide others with the highest level of professionalism. Integrity is one of the finer points her father instilled in her. “He said that integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking.”\n\nAnnessa’s father may have been her North Star, but she is finding a light all her own. She is fanning the fire within herself to go out into the world and pass those gifts she learned from her father and the knowledge and skill gleaned from her education to those in her care.\n\nWhen she really feels the need to pull him close, to feel the safety net he always provided, she wears the necklace her father wore every day of his many years in the Fire Department, the last eleven as Deputy Chief-Fire Marshall for Chino Valley.\n\n“I wear his necklace when I need the reassurance that he’s still there,” says Annessa. It will look really nice with her graduation cap and gown this October.', 'Respiratory Therapy student finds strength and confidence through others', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12544-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '', 12544, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12544-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12632, 4, '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '[caption id="attachment_3014" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140718_170001.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-3014" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140718_170001-300x276.jpg" alt="“We want to teach them that there is another side of law enforcement.  You’re not just locking people up. You have to go into a community and reach out when people are in need...&quot;" width="300" height="276" /></a> “We want to teach them that there is another side of law enforcement. You’re not just locking people up. You have to go into a community and reach out when people are in need..."[/caption]\n\nEveryone has seen the news footage of children trudging hundreds of miles from Guatemala and El Salvador, seeking safety in the U.S. from gang violence in their home towns, only to be held in churches and detention centers across our borders. Until decisions about their legal status are made on a national level, these kids must languish in ill-prepared facilities that are barely able to meet their physical needs of food and shelter.\n\nThese images of children corralled, sometimes behind metal barriers, contrast sharply against the freedom most children enjoy in our country of neighborhoods, schools and parks.\n\nInstead of looking away, the Criminal Justice Corrections Club on the <a title="SJVC''s Ontario campus" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/ontario" target="_blank">Ontario campus</a> decided to look into what they might do to help.\n\n“My heart was crushed watching the children walking from other countries, running from violence in their countries,” says Angelia Crenshaw, CJC Program Director and instructor. “I spoke to CJC students about donating basic items, like toiletries, and the CJ club officers began compiling a list and collecting items from our CJ students.”\n\nCJC students raised $250, in addition to various items donated, and one CJC student’s employer donated over $1,200 in products. Laura Torres, who graduates from the <a title="Get more information about SJVC''s criminal justice program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/criminal-justice-corrections" target="_blank">CJC program</a> in October, told her dad, Juan, about her program’s effort. She mentioned to him that they had contacted St. Catherine of Siena Church in Rialto, where 47 children were being housed, and who were becoming dehydrated as supplies dwindled.\n\n“Let’s go get them some water,” said Juan, without hesitation. He and Laura made a Costco run and loaded up pallets of water and cases of Gatorade to help a dire situation.\n\nTwo days before delivery was scheduled to St. Catherine’s, the CJC Club decided to take their mission campus-wide. “Let’s open it up to the whole school,” suggested Angelia.\n\nCJC students and instructor went class-to-class, and both students and instructors were eager to help.\n\n“The next day we had everything we asked for,” says Angelia. “They brought in shampoo, lotion, soap, baby wipes, toothbrushes and toothpaste – we tried to keep it to toiletries. Plus we bought frozen vegetables with some of the money raised.”\n\nAlmost $2,000 in merchandise and cash was collected in three short days. CJC Club officers Aldo Ayon, Larisha Walker, Laura Torres and Jasmine Munoz-Turrubiartes led the charge to enormous success, and on Friday, July 18th delivery was made directly to the church.\n\nEven though SJVC students and faculty were not allowed to meet the recipients of their humanitarian effort – the children had witnessed great anger at their presence in the U.S. – deep gratitude was expressed to them by church staff.\n\nCJC students, in particular, got an important lesson about the criminal justice corrections career they were training to enter.\n\n“We want to teach them that there is another side of law enforcement,” says Angelia. “You’re not just locking people up. You have to go into a community and reach out when people are in need, teach them at a young age to have respect for the law, maybe inspire them with the idea that they might want to become a police officer, too.”\n\nSometimes it goes even deeper.\n\n“This experience kind of made me appreciate what I have and it was way more than these kids,” says Laura. “When it comes down to it, it pulls everyone closer to participate. Nobody knows when we’re going to be put in that kind of situation and if you do a good deed, I’m pretty sure God will give you a hand too.”', 'CJC students help immigrant children caught in limbo', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '3012-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '', 3012, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/3012-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12633, 4, '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '<img class="alignleft wp-image-2939 size-medium" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/076b-213x300.jpg" alt="Gavin Stevens" width="213" height="300" />“There is no better way to thank God for your sight than by giving a helping hand to someone in the dark,” said Helen Keller. Graduating seniors from <a title="SJVC Ontario" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/ontario/" target="_blank">Ontario</a>’s <a title="Dental Hygiene program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/dental-hygiene/" target="_blank">Dental Hygiene</a> program could not agree more.\n\nEach class gives away $300 of class funds to their favorite dental charity during their Pinning and Awards Ceremony, and this class of twenty-one chose the Gavin R. Stevens Foundation as their recipient. Over 200 attendees, including grad’s families and friends, Dental Hygiene staff and faculty and award recipient attended the ceremony held at the New Life Church in Claremont last month.\n\nGavin Stevens is a remarkable 5-year old born with a rare genetic retina condition called Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis, which affects only about 150 people in the entire US. Although, as yet, there is no cure, Gavin’s parents, Troy and Jennifer, are hopeful for the future.\n\nThe Stevens family struggles through costs associated with a special needs child, medical treatment and everything that is needed to help their son stretch beyond the confines of his disability. They have a website (gavinsfoundation.org/index.html) that helps to educate others about this genetic retina condition, create awareness and raise funds for research.\n\nThe highlight of the Pinning and Awards ceremony was when little Gavin took the stage to sing “It’s a Beautiful Day”. “I was on stage, in the back, so I was able to watch the audience; and to just see everyone light up was so much fun,” says Dr. Leslie Nazaroff, Dental Hygiene Program Director. Gavin’s website shows him singing Andrea Bocelli’s <em>Con te Partiro</em>, a famous Italian opera.\n\nGavin’s parents are grateful to everyone who supports their hope for treatment “that can one day allow Gavin to see things he never has.”\n\nDr. Nazaroff emphasizes the importance of Dental Hygiene students participating in philanthropic efforts within their communities. “If we forget the element of our community needs, then we’ve done a disservice to our profession.”', 'Dental Hygiene grads see the light', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12538-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '', 12538, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12538-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12634, 4, '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '<img class="alignleft wp-image-2805 size-medium" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/SAM_0229b-300x298.jpg" alt="Cindy Mills" width="300" height="298" />At one time or another Cindy Mills interacts with just about every person on the <a title="SJVC Ontario" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/ontario/" target="_blank">Ontario</a> campus. Staff, faculty, students, vendors and service technicians all go through her to get something they need in order to continue forward.\n\nAs Day Porter for the Facilities department, Cindy’s responsibilities put her in the direct line of contact for every other department’s needs. Her custodial duties include ordering office supplies, distributing books at orientation, assisting the Facilities Manager with inventory, conducting safety inspections, providing material set-up and break-down for campus events and taking repair service technicians to the areas in need. She opens the campus every morning, ensuring all classrooms and offices are ready for the day.\n\n“I get to interact with everyone,” says Cindy. “Not just people who work here but students, and vendors who come in to fix things or do things like tent windows. I take them where they need to go and show them what needs to be looked at or fixed.”\n\nCindy has to be something of an accountant, as she keeps tight records of books and supplies checked out.\n\n“I do inventory about three times a month, and you don’t want to make a mistake and have to do it again,” she says. “Inventory records need to show what went off your shelf and the final count has to be right on.”\n\nAnother big part of her job is set-up and break-down of everything needed for an on-campus event. Cindy arranges for food and drinks, tents, tables/chairs, umbrellas, audio needs and hook-ups, trash receptacles – everything needed for a comfortable environment and successful event.\n\n“Cindy was instrumental in coordinating the move from the Rancho Cucamonga campus and set up of the supply/bookroom and janitorial storage spaces at the Ontario campus,” says Chuck Steinmetz, Facilities Manager. “She arrived early and stayed late throughout this process and always with a smile and a positive attitude.”\n\nCindy is humble in her response. “I just think I’m doing my job, trying to keep everybody happy.”\n\nOne of Cindy’s favorite events for which she was responsible for set-up, included seven food trucks, face painting, balloon animals, bounce houses and guided tours of the campus. The evening event attracted about 750 visitors.\n\n“I started at 6:00 AM and got out at 11:45 PM,” she says, without complaint. “I usually have quite a bit of help on big events.”\n\nThere is also plenty of shared laughter to go along with the tasks.\n\n“There were five or six of us trying to get a generator to start,” says Cindy. “The whole event, and music, ran off the generator so people were panicking. I asked an RT teacher walking by if he knew anything about generators and he said it had been years since he used them in Vietnam, but had we turned the switch on. None of us thought about a button.”\n\nSometimes big winds come through and blow tents and canopies around the parking lot for the crew to chase. Her favorite response to the forces of Murphy’s Law: “It will all be over by tomorrow.”\n\nCindy has always felt a special attachment to <a title="SJVC" href="http://www.sjvc.edu" target="_blank">SJVC</a> students from beginning to end.\n\n“I get to see all the faces of students that are coming in as I pass out their books to them, and then I see their faces when they return the books on their last day,” says Cindy. “I see their excitement for when they are going to start their new careers.”\n\n“Students engage her in conversation, many who share fears, hopes and family secrets,” says Sherril Hein, Campus Director. “Cindy encourages students to attend class, do homework and pass their exams. She lets them know how important they are.”\n\nCindy just has a way about her that invites trust. “You usually don’t have to say a lot, just listen,” she says. “I feel they wouldn’t say anything unless they needed someone to listen or talk to.”\n\nCindy’s strong work ethic comes from her dad, Albert. “My dad never missed a day of work, except when it was raining,” she says. “He was in the lumber business, and you can’t do anything when it rains.”\n\nDependability is a trait that passed from father-to-daughter, and now from Cindy to her daughter, Melissa, who is a nurse and equally hardworking.\n\nCindy likes to spend her off-hours planting flowers in her garden. She just put in some peonies and colorful Gerbera Daisies. They will grow and change under her vigilance; not unlike all those others blooming under her thoughtful attention on campus.', 'Where everybody knows your name', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12525-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '', 12525, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12525-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
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(12635, 4, '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '[caption id="attachment_2476" align="alignleft" width="220"]<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/image6b.jpg"><img class="wp-image-2476 size-medium" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/image6b-220x300.jpg" alt="One Day Without Shoes" width="220" height="300" /></a> We often take the shoes on our feet for granted, but for many shoes are a distant luxury they cannot afford. To raise awareness, see what students and staff of SJVC Ontario did.[/caption]\n\nHow long has it been since you have gone barefoot for most of the day? Going to the pool or beach, or lounging outside or inside your house doesn’t count. When have you gone without shoes while you are out running errands, attending class, clothes shopping or attending an event. Maybe never, right?\n\nOn April 29<sup>th</sup> the <a title="SJVC Ontario" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/ontario/" target="_blank">Ontario</a> campus’ Diversity Club, along with other student, staff and faculty volunteers, kicked off their shoes for the whole day in support of TOM’s shoes’ <em>One Day Without Shoes</em> campaign, which aims to bring awareness about the effects of being without shoes. TOMs works in partnership with over 100 companies worldwide, including <em>Help the Children</em>, an International Christian Organization, and <a title="SJVC" href="http://www.sjvc.edu" target="_blank">SJVC</a>’s liaison for this event for the past three years.\n\nIn the eight years since TOM’s owner, Blake Mycoskie, first introduced this campaign, TOMs has donated over 10 million pair of shoes in over 50 countries – including the U.S.\n\nThe Ontario campus gets involved each year in this important event for two reasons: “We spent the whole day shoeless to raise awareness for the millions of children throughout the world that go without protection for their feet,” says Erin Schlanger, Library and Learning Resource Coordinator and Diversity Club leader. “We got students out of their comfort zone and let them experience what is going on around the world – and even in their own backyard.”\n\nShoeless children run a high risk of foot diseases that gain entry through cuts that, left unattended, can maim, cripple or even take the lives of those affected. Medical attention is as scarce as shoes in many underdeveloped areas.\n\nA major concern is podoconiosis, also known as elephantitus, which affects the lymph nodes and glands in the lower legs. As the disease advances the leg begins to swell and grow into heavy, grotesque shapes. Young victims risk losing all or part of the affected limb. Podo, as it is called, affects over four million people in over fifteen countries.\n\nEducation plays a large part in the prevention or reduction of infection and diseases caused by exposed and unprotected feet. But, awareness alone is not enough of a safe-guard; shoes are the greatest prevention. “Shoes for Health” is a stance TOMs intends to take across the globe.\n\nThe Ontario campus got lots of support materials to help promote this campaign in the form of TOM’s Toolkit. “We made posters and fliers to announce the event and emailed instructors to ask for help promoting it,” says Erin. “We raffled off t-shirts, stickers and TOM’s discount cards for everyone who participated.”\n\nThe campus had a great turnout, with lots of students excited to help the event to be both educational and successful. Students traced outlines of their feet onto butcher paper and wrote messages to children in other parts of the world, telling them why they went shoeless that day. Their words of caution and encouragement would find their way to children who needed to know that others care and were helping to provide the protection shoes would give them.\n\n“Experience is the most valuable realization,” says Administrative Health Care Management student and Diversity Club member, Adilene Otero Gutierrez. “Walking without shoes allows you to walk in someone else’s metaphorical shoes.”\n\nMost campus participants did not realize how awkward it would feel to be out in public without shoes – and how painful mobility without that thin veneer of protection might be.\n\n“It made me more aware of what’s on the ground around me and what it means to my body to walk without shoes,” says Erin. “Those raised yellow things near handicapped spots; those hurt to walk on! The acorn caps and wooden mulch, I thought ‘this is insane’.” Slow and cautious steps became essential.\n\nThere was at least one other benefit to walking around barefoot all day; a heightened sense of the need for cleanliness.\n\n“Cigarette butts, broken glass…any trash; or going into the bathroom definitely makes you think twice about people who will be using the facility next, as well as those who came before you,” says Erin. “It gave me a new level of respect for what is around me, and cleanliness took on a whole new definition.”\n\nTOM’s <em>One Day Without Shoes</em> would like for everyone to “Experience a path that millions of children walk every day”. “It all starts with a single step”, they say. SJVC’s Ontario campus will take that step again next year, and the next, until all children have a better understanding about the importance of shoes and, hopefully, the pair of shoes they need for a healthier life.', 'One Day Without Shoes – Could you do it?', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12519-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '', 12519, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12519-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12636, 4, '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', 'It was all about the children, as many <a title="SJVC" href="http://www.sjvc.edu" target="_blank">SJVC</a> campuses flew Easter colors, donned a bunny costume or two, and performed services of good will for many families.\n\n[caption id="attachment_2413" align="alignleft" width="238"]<img class="wp-image-2413 size-medium" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Picture5b-238x300.jpg" alt="Easter Egg Hunts Afoot" width="238" height="300" /> At several SJVC campuses this last week, festivities were held for students and their families, for kids of all ages.[/caption]\n\nThe <a title="SJVC Bakersfield" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/bakersfield/" target="_blank">Bakersfield</a> campus welcomed students and their families to an afternoon of food and fun activities on April 17<sup>th</sup> that included a 68 foot obstacle course, tug-of-war competitions, ping pong and an Easter egg hunt that had children of all ages scrambling to find the brightly colored treasures, well hidden by the ASB members who hosted the event.\n\nThe obstacle course attracted lots of students who were competing to get the fastest completion time.  Congratulations to Riquelmo Reyes for his fleet-footed time of fifteen seconds, as well as to Adrian Andrade who ran a close second, at seventeen seconds.\n\nBakersfield got into the spirit of Easter a few weeks earlier when their Financial Aid Department collected supplies for and assembled 100 Easter bags for children living at the Bakersfield Rescue Mission.\n\nNot to be outdone, the <a title="SJVC Visalia" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/visalia/" target="_blank">Visalia</a> campus sponsored their first Easter Egg Hunt for students and their children. With support from ENACTUS and the Pharmacy Tech Club, Student Services was able to host the day for over 70-kids.\n\n“We wanted to bring the fun to the Visalia campus,” says Elisia Sanchez, Student Resource Coordinator. “Plus, it was a great way for the kids to see first-hand where Mommy or Daddy goes to school.”\n\nBefore the egg hunt began, the children got to color and dazzle Easter crafts and enjoy a personal meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny.\n\nThere were three age groups for each hunt to help younger children face pretty even competition.\n\n“Because we didn’t want to leave out older kids, we had a movie playing on the big screen TVs in the student lounge for them to enjoy,” says Elisia.\n\nSome of the Easter egg hunters got a nice surprise when they found eggs with raffle tickets inside. They had great fun claiming their prizes from the raffle ticket booth.\n\nIn the spirit of Easter, seven students, the Dean of Student Services and Leticia Gutierrez, Administrative Assistant to the Dean on the <a title="SJVC Ontario" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/ontario/" target="_blank">Ontario</a> campus volunteered to help assemble care packages for mothers and grandmothers, as part of Feed the Children.\n\nThe April 16<sup>th</sup> project is part of an effort to encourage SJVC students to participate in community outreach and volunteerism.\n\nOn March 28<sup>th</sup> SJVC’s <a title="SJVC Antelope Valley" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/antelope-valley/" target="_blank">Lancaster</a> campus held their 2<sup>nd</sup> Annual Easter Egg Hunt where staff, faculty, students and their children got to connect and keep the campus’s family atmosphere at the forefront.  Children were able to hunt for eggs and enjoy arts and crafts.\n\nLots of photos were taken amid squeals of laughter, screams of delight and mouths full of food.', 'SJVC Easter celebrations were eggcellent!', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12512-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '', 12512, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12512-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12637, 4, '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', 'Twenty-one year old Kenzley Velthuis is very happy with the progress she has made at Bed Bath and Beyond in the two years she has worked there. She started out as a cashier, moved to an on-the-floor position and now enjoys an Operations spot that controls what ships in and what ships out.\n\n[caption id="attachment_2383" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-2383 size-medium" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/IMG_7195b-300x162.jpg" alt="Kenzley Velthuis" width="300" height="162" /> Having experienced troubles with traditional education before, Kenzley Velthuis realized that a different kind of schooling would better fit her work ethic.[/caption]\n\n“I just fell in love with it,” says Kenzley. “They have asked me how far I want to go with the company, and I know that with a degree I can go much higher.”\n\nKenzley feels that the <a title="Business Administration program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/business-administration/" target="_blank">Business Administration</a> program at SJVC will give her the training and credential she needs to take her budding career all the way to the top. But before coming to the <a title="SJVC Ontario" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/ontario/" target="_blank">Ontario</a> campus she had a couple of missteps within the community college system.\n\n“I was wasting my time taking classes like history and art that I would never need,” she says. “I was on too many waiting lists; it didn’t make any sense to me.”\n\nShe took a break from school and became a nanny for Dylan, a 10-year old boy with ADHD. Kenzley may have learned more from him than her formal education could have provided at that time.\n\n“I helped Dylan realize that he could do it on his own,” says Kenzley. “He could go to school, do his homework, focus better than he realized. I gave him courage and he looked up to me.”\n\nDylan’s dependency on her helped Kenzley find greater strength in herself.\n\n“I feel like he taught me to grow up,” says Kenzley. “I was nineteen and had to take care of this little boy and get him from A to B. I couldn’t be an uneducated, unemployed teenager. I had to do something with my life.”\n\nSome of Kenzley’s old insecurities resurfaced. She had not been a very successful student in high school and was easily bored with its slow pace of class projects and assignments. In contrast, she finds the accelerated BA program to be just what she needs to challenge her quick mind.\n\n“This program (BA) actually works for me because it keeps me on my toes and my brain working faster,” she says.\n\nNo one was more surprised than Kenzley to find herself with a 4.0 GPA and voted Student of the Quarter.\n\n“Kenzley is the President of our Enactus club, volunteers her time on weekends to collect canned foods, and helps create events on campus,” says Lindsay Fotia, Dean of Student Services. “She is in the process of organizing a fashion show on campus.”\n\nKenzley confesses that she was not sure she was college material. Her thin educational accomplishments in high school left her uncertain about her academic abilities. But it is that very fear that now seems to propel her toward greater accomplishment.\n\n“I think the fact that I wasn’t a good student in high school makes me want to prove to everyone – and myself – that I am smart,” says Kenzley. “To prove that I could do more than a high school degree; because, at first, I didn’t know if I was going to.”\n\nGetting back into the rhythm of classes, homework and tests was not an easy thing for her, especially with Kenzley working full-time. At one point she was working nights, getting off at 6:00 AM to be in class at 7:00 AM, and functioning on about five hours of sleep. Somehow she made that schedule work for two long months.\n\nIn retrospect Kenzley might have done things a little differently.\n\n“I just really regret having taken those years out of school,” she says. “It’s kind of hard to relearn the basics of study and discipline,” she says.\n\nKenzley compares going back to school to getting back onto a treadmill that is already in motion.\n\n“It’s kind of hard to jump back on a moving treadmill once you’ve gotten off,” she says.\n\nKenzley may have returned to her education later than she likes, but has she also gained some important wisdom that came from her start-and-stop-and-start path.\n\n“I would tell others to not waste any time and don’t give up,” she says. “If you have trouble with long classes, take the time to find the school that fits you and you’ll be way more happy.”\n\nKenzley did. And, she is way happy.', 'A little boost up the company ladder for Ontario student', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12510-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '', 12510, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12510-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12638, 4, '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '[caption id="attachment_2306" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2306 " title="Shannon Cocilova and family" alt="Shannon Cocilova and family" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/14-2b-300x294.jpg" width="300" height="294" /> Once a Respiratory Therapy student at SJVC, Shannon is now an instructor for the same program for the same institution.[/caption]\n\nAs an RT student sitting in the Rancho Cucamonga classroom in 2008, Shannon Cocilova had no idea that she would one day be in the one standing in front of a SJVC classroom covering some of the very same material she was working hard to absorb.\n\n“I always knew I wanted to be in education,” says Shannon, “but I thought I’d be in departmental education in a hospital. I ended up in the collegiate world where I enjoy extending my knowledge, while trying to keep up with the latest and greatest research, treatments and equipment in our field.”\n\nAfter graduation from her <a title="Respiratory Therapy program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/respiratory-therapy/" target="_blank">Respiratory Therapy</a> program, Shannon spent almost four years working in Loma Linda University Medical Center’s NICU. Today, she still works as a RT part-time in the NICU at the Rancho Springs Medical Center, while she teaches Respiratory Therapy at the <a title="SJVC Temecula" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/temecula/" target="_blank">Temecula</a> campus.\n\nAs a Respiratory Therapy student Shannon excelled in her studies. The highlight of her education experience was being part of the LLUMC practitioner team that competed in the State Sputum Bowl, where they took home 1<sup>st</sup> Place in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Their wins qualified the team to compete on a National level where they finally took the top prize in 2011.\n\nThat experience motivated Shannon to assemble her own team of top RT students to compete in last year’s Sputum Bowl. It didn’t hurt that her <i>Pink Puffers</i> would be going up against SJVC’s Rancho Cucamonga (now Ontario) RT team, the <i>Premature Buzzers</i>.\n\n“When I started, my goal was to get a team together to beat Grey Benton (Rancho Cucamonga’s RT instructor),” says Shannon. “I have that competitive bug in me!” Temecula’s <i>Pink Puffers </i>won first place in the state and went on to earn third place nationally.\n\nShannon’s students respond very well to her style of instruction.\n\n“I’m a hands-on teacher,” she says. “I want to get the students out of their seats and their hands on the equipment they’re going to be working with. “You can easily lose your audience with technical material, so you find a creative way to keep them involved.”\n\nShannon spends a lot of time helping students understand their role from a patient’s perspective and how patients feel when they struggle to breathe. She has her students exhale and hold their breath while they wrap their chests in ace bandages, just to feel how someone with restrictive lung disease cannot take a deep breath. Or, she has them suck in air through increasingly smaller straws to feel what it is like for asthmatic patients to struggle for air.\n\n“Anybody can go out there and turn knobs and change settings,” says Shannon. “I want my students to see the whole picture of a patient; to really assess patients and engage them in conversation. Compassion is an essential part of our job.”\n\nThe respiratory care specialty and its treatment modalities and technology are constantly changing. Shannon wants to make sure that her students enter this career field with everything they need to become successful clinicians.\n\n“RTs coming into our field need the necessary knowledge to keep up with the ‘super bugs’ we have right now and know the new technology and methods for treating them,” says Shannon.\n\nShannon had the chance to observe, in a very personal way, the skill and empathy of some of her students when she was a patient in the hospital recently, with post surgery pneumonia. Although Shannon could not speak, she was aware of her externs, whose job it was to give her breathing treatments and EKGs.\n\n“I got to see them in true action, doing their jobs correctly and well, which made me proud,” she says.\n\nBack in the classroom Shannon remains committed to helping her RT students achieve their highest professional potential.\n\n“I want to mold future clinicians to provide the best care possible for their patients,” she says. To see their eagerness to learn, their faces when the light bulb goes off and the excitement in their eyes, is my reward. They just surprise me and make me laugh every day. I love my job.”\n\nShannon’s son, Anthony, was one of those students, until he graduated this January. She took special pleasure in his accomplishments – including Sputum Bowl team membership – in the career they will now share.\n\nShannon, husband Anthony and their kids Tony (19) and Kaitlyn (22) enjoy a close home life.\n\n“I think I’m crazy, but I just don’t want them to leave,” says Shannon about her son and daughter living at home. “I want to hold onto them and not let go.”\n\nUndoubtedly, they have plenty of room to breathe.', 'Respiratory Therapy grad finds teaching career at SJVC', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12500-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '', 12500, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12500-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12639, 4, '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '[caption id="attachment_2273" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2273" title="Jessica Pinedo" alt="Jessica Pinedo" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/photo2-300x176.jpg" width="300" height="176" /> For some, doubt can help calm overconfidence, but for others, like Jessica, the excessive humility flies in the face of her achievement.[/caption]\n\nEveryone around Jessica Pinedo sees her <a title="Respiratory Therapy program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/respiratory-therapy/" target="_blank">RT</a> program and leadership accomplishments and has no doubts about a bright career ahead for her. Everyone except Jessica.\n\nEven as the recognition and awards stack up, she is filled with self-doubt.\n\n“I hold myself to very high standards and beat myself up a lot,” she admits. “I consider myself failing more often than succeeding.”\n\nA recent B-grade in one of her classes and a missed day of school due to a family emergency dropped her 4.0 GPA to a 3.9. “It was really upsetting to me,” Jessica agonized.\n\nJessica takes little comfort in the facts of her program and educational accomplishments. She is a member of the campus Lions Club, contributed hours of volunteer work for Cystic Fibrosis, American Lung Association and events on behalf of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, while she holds onto a presence on the Dean’s List and Perfect Attendance list, as well as past recognition on the Honors List.\n\nMost recently Jessica’s nomination form was accepted by the California Society for Respiratory Care (CSRC) to clear the way for her campaign for President for her region of this statewide organization. Should she win that race, she will be the first student to do so.\n\n“I highly recommend Jessica (for President) because of her passion for Respiratory Care and her spirited, youthful energy she will bring our Region,” says Russell McCord, <a title="SJVC Ontario" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/ontario/" target="_blank">Ontario</a> RT instructor and current CSRC Vice President.\n\nMaybe Jessica does not feel the full measure of her abilities and accomplishments because her struggles have overcast their shine.\n\nJessica had her first son, Blake, when she was nineteen. A couple of years later, Connor made it a young family of three. The next dozen years were a whirl of gains and losses. Jessica found a career as a Pharmacy Technician, but felt the miss of direct involvement with patients. She lost her 55-year old mom, Debra, who as a nurse was Jessica’s inspiration to work in the medical field.\n\n“My mom was a fabulous nurse who had a passion for patients,” says Jessica. “When I was little, she took me to work with her and always treated me like someone who could handle information about what her patients were struggling with.”\n\nDebra was also at Jessica’s side throughout the natural birth of her first son. “She was my # 1 coach and walked me through every aspect of the process,” says Jessica. “There’s nothing like having your mother there every step of the way.”\n\nDebra had been gone almost two years when Jessica enrolled in SJVC’s Respiratory Therapy program. She realized that she was going to need lots of support to make it through the 20-month commitment. Jessica’s boyfriend, Joseph, and her two sons pitched in to cover, as well as they could, the many responsibilities at home.\n\n“My boys are super excited and supportive,” says Jessica. “They clean up their own messes and do their own laundry,” she says. “But, they remind me, ‘Mom, we can’t wait for you to get a job.’”\n\nThe hardest time came when Joseph had to take a job in Montana. During the year he was gone their support team expanded even deeper into family ties, which include Blake’s grandmother, Sherri, Joseph’s mother, Cindy, and Jessica’s grandmother and aunt who both live a distance away, but provide lots of loving, emotional support. The person doing much of the heavy lifting was Jessica’s dad, Jesse, for whom she was named.\n\n“I’ve had so much support from my dad, who often takes the kids to school and picks them up,” says Jessica. “Without Dad, I wouldn’t have been able to do this. The older I’ve gotten, the closer we’ve gotten.\n\nJoseph is working close to home now, and his emotional and financial help is critical to Jessica’s success as a student. Originally, he and Jessica were enrolling in the RT program together, but when Joseph was in the final stages of enrollment he had to follow his job out of state.\n\n“He’s been paying a lot of the bills and he’s been emotionally supportive through my exams and melt-down days,” says Jessica, who is often a bit overwhelmed.  “But, we have no time to go anywhere or do anything while I’m in my clinicals.”\n\nDue to graduate in May, Jessica is knee-deep in clinical rotations – and loving it. She is getting to sample various medical environments and enjoying the opportunity to make a positive impression on a possible future employer.\n\n“I’m interested in a specialty acute care hospital, or a residency program that has a very intense learning environment and specialty training in pediatrics and ICU,” says Jessica, who wants to eventually get her Bachelor’s degree.\n\nFew doubt that Jessica can capture any one of these outstanding medical opportunities. Except Jessica, who teeters on the edge of self-assurance.\n\n“My confidence level in general is not so high,” she says. “I come off as a confident individual, but deep down inside…,” she trails off in her self-doubt.\n\nThose who surround her and witness her daily strength and determination will steadfastly keep the faith for Jessica’s abilities and dreams until she can claim them for herself.', 'A bright future lies ahead for RT student, even if she can’t see it', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12491-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '', 12491, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12491-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12640, 4, '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '[caption id="attachment_2201" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2201" title="Jessica Pinedo" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/photo3_border-300x172.jpg" alt="Jessica Pinedo" width="300" height="172" /> The California Society for Respiratory Care had better watch out. This SJVC student is running for President in the region.[/caption]\n\nRespiratory Therapy program student Jessica Pinedo is breaking new ground as the first student ever to run for president of California Society for Respiratory Care (CSRC) San Diego/Inland Empire Region. The <a title="SJVC Ontario" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/ontario/" target="_blank">Ontario</a> campus’s RT student, who is due to graduate in May, was beyond excited after hearing that her application to pursue the office was approved by the Board of Directors.\n\nJessica’s run makes it the first time a student has taken aim at CSRC’s highest regional office. That spot is usually filled by an experienced Respiratory Therapist with a good deal of patient contact. Jessica is undaunted by the implied gap.\n\n“I have great leadership and organizational skills, so I know I could do a really great job, bring these positive things to the field, and show that I’m on fire for Respiratory Care,” says Jessica. “And, the support I am receiving here on campus is phenomenal.”\n\nThat fire was easily noticed by <a title="Respiratory Therapy program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/respiratory-therapy/" target="_blank">RT</a> instructor, Russ McCord, who currently holds the CSRC’s Vice President’s spot and was the one to suggest to Jessica that she submit her application for the position. With her enthusiastic acceptance, Mr. McCord put her nomination forward for review.\n\nBecause Jessica’s application was light on direct patient care, she brought all of her considerable accomplishments and talents to the forefront in order to demonstrate her viability for office.\n\nShe has hovered at a 4.0 GPA throughout her program, made both the Dean’s and Honor’s Lists, maintained memberships in the Lion’s Club, volunteered for the Cystic Fibrosis’ <i>Great Strides Walk</i>, American Lung Association’s <i>Fight for Air</i>, received the 2013 Academic Excellence Scholarship from the CSRC and is prepared to host the <i>Drive 4 COPD</i> in March.\n\nJessica is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa, is President of Lambda Beta SJVC Ontario Chapter, volunteered for the American Association for Respiratory Care talent membership, was on the CSRC program committee and was an assistant for their Government Affairs.\n\n“I highly recommended Jessica because of her passion for Respiratory Care and the spirited, youthful energy she will bring to our region,” he says. Russ plans to cast his vote for Jessica as soon as the online voting begins.\n\nAlthough both RT students and RT professionals can be members of this statewide organization, only respiratory care professionals are allowed to vote. The results are announced in May and newly elected officials take office in August for a two-year term.\n\nShould she win the Presidency, Jessica is looking forward its myriad responsibilities, such as conducting meetings several times a year, organizing educational and social events, initiating campaigns to increase membership, creating a grass-roots coalition that will advocate better patient care, and providing information and education to elevate the respiratory care profession.\n\n“I have so many ideas and plans,” says Jessica. “I can do this job and I hope I am given the opportunity to do this.”\n\nShe is just starting to roll out her campaign and plans to cast the net wide for supporters.\n\n“We have built a Facebook group, so I’m hoping to network and reach out to a lot of RTs in our region, a lot of the clinical sites that I’ve been to and professionals I’ve met there,” she says. “I will also solicit support from RT instructors, our Director and SJVC RT alumni.”\n\nSJVC is proud that one of our students has pointed her ambition toward the height of her profession, and we wish her great success in her run for the top.', 'Jessica Pinedo for President!', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12488-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '', 12488, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12488-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12641, 4, '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '[caption id="attachment_2012" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-2012 " title="December 6th''s Toy Drive" alt="December 6th''s Toy Drive" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-copy-300x224.jpg" width="300" height="224" /> Ontario''s students and faculty have been hard at work in their community this holiday season.[/caption]\n\n<a title="SJVC Ontario" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/ontario/" target="_blank">SJVC’s Ontario</a> campus has been very busy this holiday season. Students and staff have contributed to different charitable pursuits, intent on making a difference in this season of giving.\n\nThe first of these charitable efforts is a toy drive. In association with <a title="Spark of Love" href="http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/feature?id=7778455" target="_blank">ABC7 and the Spark of Love Foundation</a>, SJVC students have bought and donated toys for kids who might otherwise have to gone without. On Friday the 6<sup>th</sup>, 300 volunteers, including students and the ABC news crew, fanned out to collect unwrapped presents to distribute to local needy children.\n\nOne Respiratory Therapy student could only marvel at the effort, impressed by the sheer numbers and dedication of her fellow students, saying, “Wow, this is really amazing.”\n\nThe second was a clothing drive. Students and faculty collected sweatshirts, blankets, anything warm. These would be donated to local shelters to help keep the holidays a little warmer for those in rough times.\n\nSJVC students alone managed to collect 60 jackets of all sizes to be donated at St. Bernadine’s Hospital. The staff was quite thankful, as before the students’ donations, their jackets numbered only 20.\n\nStudents from the local chapters of both the HOSA and NTHS clubs participated. These were the same students who, back in November, went on to volunteer their services to the Salvation Army and feed the homeless for Thanksgiving.\n\n“The entire purpose for both of these clubs is to make a difference in the community,” says Yvette Savala, CMA instructor and advisor to both clubs. “I hope by doing this they will continue to be productive members of the community and be an example to others.”\n\nLastly, SJVC Ontario has been chosen as 1 of 20 schools to help in the <a title="Let''s Can Hunger" href="http://www.letscanhunger.com/" target="_blank">Let’s Can Hunger</a> program. Sponsored by the Campbell’s soup company, this drive relies on the work and competitive spirit of local Enactus club members.\n\nThe ultimate goal is to get 20,000 non-perishable food items before March. Students will be able to choose where exactly they wish to donate the food they collect, whether that be local community organizations or even fellow students in difficult times.\n\nSo far, they have received 382 cans and $217 dollars. Most of these donations were given to needy Ontario students. Those 10 students would otherwise not have been able to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal.\n\nEnactus is an international non-profit aimed at students of higher education who want to better their communities. Across 39 different countries, college students compete with one another to donate more and make an even greater difference in the lives of the needy.\n\n“Our students here in Ontario are very giving and understanding of the need for generosity, especially in this holiday season,” says Ontario Dean of Student Services.\n\nThe best part is that, no matter which campus wins, everybody wins.', 'One Campus, Three Causes', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12459-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '', 12459, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12459-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12642, 4, '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '[caption id="attachment_1870" align="alignleft" width="183"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1870" title="Lions International Logo" alt="Lions International Logo" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Screen-Shot-2013-11-12-at-11.37.45-AM.png" width="183" height="172" /> The Lions club operates in over 300 countries across the globe.[/caption]\n\nEven before the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Ontario campus on Oct. 24th, there was the launch of something else pretty exciting on campus. Thirty students from almost every program joined the newly formed <a title="SJVC Ontario" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/ontario/" target="_blank">SJVC Ontario</a> Lion’s Branch Club on campus. Four SJVC staff and faculty joined the parent club.\n\nThe nearly 100-year old service club is a volunteer-driven organization devoted to community service and humanitarian needs. Lions Club International is the largest service organization in the world, installed in 300 countries and with 1.3 million members world-wide.\n\nIn more recent years the Lions Club has been installed on many two and four-year college campuses. Because SJVC’s accelerated education programs offer students an A.S. degree in fewer than 2-years, it was a challenge for SJVC students to form a Lions Club.\n\nBut, SJVC’s Debi Nichols, Division Manager and Andrea Busby, MA instructor, members of Ontario Host Lions Club, were determined to bring the club to SJVC’s Ontario campus as a ‘Branch Club’.\n\n“Sherrill Hein (Ontario Campus Director) and Richard Matley (Academic Dean) loved the idea and encouraged us to go forward,” says Debi Nichols. So they went to work with Sheila Casteel, their club’s District Governor, and found a way to make it happen.\n\n“Our campus club acts as an extension of our Ontario Lions Club,” says Debi Nichols. “SJVC needed a ‘parent club’ to act as liaison to the campus club in order for SJVC to qualify.”\n\nThe idea caught fire with students and membership expanded overnight. Dental Hygiene student, Britney Fisk says, “I joined so that I could learn what Lions Club does and how I can help my community.”\n\nThe SJVC Ontario Lions Branch Club will have many opportunities to serve their community, while learning how to conduct meetings, organize events, and develop leadership skills. Student members will attend twice-monthly meetings. They will elect a President, Treasurer and Secretary and learn meeting protocol. A Lions Club member liaison will always be present to guide progress, stir enthusiasm and observe process.\n\n“It is a great way for them to learn about philanthropy, about giving back,” says Debi. “I want to sit in the back and let them take charge; let them grow and develop as leaders.\n\nThe tremendous opportunity isn’t lost on student members. “I am really looking forward to being part of projects that help my community and give me a way to teach my kids about giving back,” says Jessica Pinedo, Respiratory Therapy student.\n\nThe parent club pays each student member’s annual dues for which student members commit to performing at least 20-hours of community service. Lions Club events for which they can volunteer include an annual golf tournament, Christmas baskets (last year 180 baskets were assembled and given to local churches for distribution) and various fundraising activities.\n\nStudent members will also be charged with finding needs within their own communities for volunteer opportunities.\n\nCAMA student, Alex Rodriguez says, “I joined because it looks like fun and it will look good on my resume.”\n\n“The Lions Club doesn’t have to be a group just for older, wealthier, retired or volunteer business people,” says Debi. “With young blood comes muscle, strength, stamina, energy and fresh ideas – and we now have 30 new members to bring that to our club.”\n\nThe Ontario campus is embracing an idea that they hope will spread to every SJVC campus up and down California and to the benefit of the communities each serves. The prototype is in motion.', 'The Lion’s roar to life', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12447-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '', 12447, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12447-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12643, 4, '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '<img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1729" title="Moving SJVC into Ontario" alt="Moving SJVC into Ontario" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_9765-e1381360060108-290x290.jpeg" width="290" height="290" />Almost 550 students avoided disruption of their class schedules when fifteen semi-trucks, over a hundred packers, movers, installation technicians, IT and Facility department personnel, a few campus employees and perfect orchestration made an unbelievable 3-day move from Rancho Cucamonga to the newly constructed <a title="SJVC Ontario" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/ontario/">campus in Ontario</a> recently.\n\n“We finished at 8:00 pm Sunday night and were here to open the doors to our new campus at 6:30 am Monday morning,” says Sherril Hein, Ontario Campus Director. “We conducted tours for all of our students to help them feel at home from the very first day.”\n\nStudents are pretty excited about their new environment.\n\n“The campus is clean and streamlined,” says student Ashley Dubuque. “It is compact, but feels roomy at the same time, giving it a feeling of efficiency.”\n\nThe campus is at the intersection of Freeways 15 and 10, near the Ontario Airport and Ontario Mills Mall, and will provide greater visibility and easier access for students and visitors. The 3.2 mile move from Rancho Cucamonga will better serve its students and help increase community awareness of the educational options it provides to the surrounding area.\n\n“We are looking forward to a tremendous period of growth ahead,” says Hein. “We believe our programs are the best that can be offered, and this beautiful campus is a great way to showcase them.”\n\nThe new 2-story, 50,000 sq.ft. building sits on 5 ½ acres and provides 400 parking stalls to better accommodate the student population, staff, faculty and visitors. SJVC’s campus structure will comply with all green standards and requirements, which will ensure that equipment and materials will enjoy more efficient energy consumption.\n\n“Our new building design is spacious and places a particular emphasis on student gathering places,” says Sherril Hein. “Our indoor student center will provide student study, lounging and eating areas, and our large outside patio is perfect for single or group gatherings,” she says.\n\n“I really like how all the students from all the programs are together in one building,” says student Pedro Vargas. “Feels like we are a family.”\n\nThe Ontario business community has welcomed SJVC and has great hopes of a future of shared success.\n\n“Having an educated workforce is an important asset for our businesses, and we are very excited to have SJVC as part of our education community to better serve our existing businesses and the businesses that we want to attract to Ontario,” says Mayor Paul Leon.', 'Goodbye Rancho Cucamonga….Hello Ontario!', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12434-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '', 12434, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12434-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12644, 4, '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '[caption id="attachment_1700" align="alignleft" width="290"]<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Screen-Shot-2013-09-25-at-10.35.58-AM.png"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1700" alt="We might be biased, but we think our students look pretty good!" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Screen-Shot-2013-09-25-at-10.35.58-AM-290x290.png" width="290" height="290" /></a> We might be biased, but we think our students look pretty good![/caption]\n\nAbout a dozen business student models used the catwalk to teach over a hundred <a title="students learn how to dress for a job interview in rancho cucamonga" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/ontario" target="_blank">Rancho Cucamonga</a> students how to dress for that all-important job interview.\n\n“We deliberately included some What not to Wear examples to show students inappropriate interview attire,” says Chris Hooton, Career Services Manager.\n\nThe 90-minute show is an annual event held this year at the North Hills Church on Aug. 1st. The panel of four judges included Brenda Medina, Business instructor, Jeannette Drake, Career Services Advisor, Diana Glance, Business instructor and Claudia Normine, G.E. instructor.\n\n<a title="business students at SJVC work on their interview skills" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/business-programs" target="_blank">Business students</a> who are Enactus members developed and promoted the fashion show during which Career Services conducted a presentation on proper business attire.\n\n“The fashion show was a good teaching tool for our students,” says Mr. Hooton. “We also engaged the entire audience by asking them to hold up signs 1-10 to rate appropriate outfits coming down the runway.”\n\nClothing for the fashion show came from the Career Services ‘closet’ and from donations for the event. Some of the student models brought their own clothes to wear as good examples of business attire.\n\nSome of the student models and MCs were: Kevin Santos, KR Banaag, Alice Garcia, Andrea Adams, Kenneth Perry, Elizabeth Morales, Aaron Lewis, Indi Hurtado, Jaime Estrella, Giselle Pena, Alejandra Garcia, Armando Cespedes, Kimberly Mora, Taariq Raffy and Alina Miranda.\n\n“Three students, Elizabeth Morales, Giselle Pena and Alina Hernandez-Miranda, entertained the crowd with a vocal competition, as they gave their best American Idol performances – and the models time to make wardrobe changes,” says Mr. Hooton. Elizabeth Morales won and was awarded a gift card.\n\nLike any big production, mishaps can occur. The PowerPoint show momentarily dropped power and Mr. Hooton had to “kill time by telling some bad jokes,” he laughs.\n\nStudents didn’t seem to mind and left the event with a better understanding and picture of what they might wear once they are out in the professional world.', 'Student Fashion Show entertains…and educates', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12427-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:31:54', '2014-09-25 22:31:54', '', 12427, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12427-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(12645, 4, '2014-09-25 15:31:55', '2014-09-25 22:31:55', '<img class="alignleft  wp-image-1529" style="margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px; border: black 1px solid;" title="SJVC Rancho Cucamonga Blood Drive " alt="SJVC Rancho Cucamonga Blood Drive " src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/R-CUC-blood-drive-photo-RESIZED1-300x300.jpg" width="144" height="144" />Potentially 87 lives were saved by <a title="San Joaquin Valley College " href="http://www.sjvc.edu/" target="_blank">SJVC</a> students and faculty through SJVC Rancho Cucamonga’s semiannual, campus-wide blood drive this past June!\n\nThe blood drive supported the local community hospitals and contributed to the blood supply of those institutions.\n\nWhen the Red Cross Blood Mobile arrived on campus, students were excited to be involved with something so important and many were willing to wait nearly an hour to donate blood.\n\nTestifying to the success of this blood drive is SJVC <a title="SJVC Rancho Cucamonga Campus " href="http://www.sjvc.edu/rancho-cucamonga" target="_blank">Rancho Cucamonga’s </a>Division Manager, Davina Cary.\n\n“We collected a total of 29 units of blood… that is enough blood to potentially save 87 lives!” says Davina.\n\nTo increase participation and to thank students for their generous donation, each student was given a set of tickets to a Los Angeles Galaxy soccer game.\n\nThe success of this drive is spurring the staff and students on to the next drive, scheduled to take place in six months, bringing more opportunities to save lives and impact the local community.\n\nGreat work, SJVC Rancho Cucamonga!', 'Rancho Cucamonga Gives Blood and Saves Lives ', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'open', '', '12407-revision-v1', '', '', '2014-09-25 15:31:55', '2014-09-25 22:31:55', '', 12407, 'http://www.sjvc.edu/12407-revision-v1', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
